Inflation concerns continue
By Leela Sharon Aheer Chestermere-Strathmore MLA
As I write this article, I am honoured to acknowledge our American neighbours celebrating their Fourth of July celebrations. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress, separating the United States from the British colonies, after Thomas Jefferson drafted the historic document. It has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. We wish our American families the most beautiful day as they celebrate their independence.
We have been talking about inflation. Alberta has not seen this level of inflation since the early 1980s. I remember being a young girl and my dad seeing his friends losing their houses and businesses, it was terrifying, and we knew folks that lost everything. Our family had to change our entire way of life and like most others, that included how we bought our groceries and spent on what we wanted versus what we needed. It was a huge sacrifice for all Albertans, but we made it. We as a provincial government have reduced the gas tax by slashing 13 cents per liter to help alleviate some of the pain and the extension of this relief is necessary.
We will be in this for a while, so we must plan as families and government on how to proceed. We have the lowest gas prices in the country. We hope the Federal government will take this lead and consider how they can also bring relief. In April, the Federal carbon tax was increased by 11 per cent, this was not helpful and needs to be reconsidered. It raised gas prices by 3 cents per liter after Alberta had already reduced the tax by 13 cents per liter. The problem with inflation is that it impacts purchasing power, which is why keeping inflation within manageable ranges is so important. It helps to promote stable prices and then growth. The question is, how do we do this? It can be managed through wages and price controls, but there is no tried-and-true solution, all have benefits and collateral damage. All are impacted by the economic environment such as floods, fires, pandemics, and global conflicts. Therefore, we see interest rates climbing as a control to slow economic growth and reduce spending. This could lead to more stable rates of return from the banks, but none of these methods are guaranteed to work. Governments and families need to focus on critical priorities, helping those who are vulnerable or on fixed incomes, and watching our spending. We need to take on debt sparingly.
Finally, I would like to thank all the mayors and councils of all municipalities in the riding of Chestermere-Strathmore which I represent. I have been so fortunate to be a part of many events and groups working towards the growth of our communities. Thank you to Rocky View Councillor Al Schule for his amazing advocacy alongside the provincial government to get so much work done in Langdon, particularly for the new school. Thank you to Mayor of Strathmore Pat Fule for his economic work in the region and his great heart that has the keys to reconciliation and is always thinking of people first. Amber Link, the Reeve of Wheatland County, thank you for all your work on economic growth in your area and for being so generous with your time in helping me to understand your region’s needs. And last but certainly not least, Chestermere Mayor Jeff Colvin, with whom I shared the pleasure of being part of the Chestermere chamber of commerce panel, seeing your advocacy for our city and your council’s work was terrific.
As always, we love to hear from you.
(Leela Sharon Aheer is the MLA Elect for Chestermere-Strathmore)