Affordability crisis is a health issue
Danielle Smith's government is not focused on what's best for Albertans
It is unfathomable that, in Alberta, the richest province in Canada, we are being crushed by an affordability crisis.
June is Men’s Health Month. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of men's health and encourage men to prioritize their well-being.
As men, we have some unique challenges and we have our own needs.
We want to be strong, take care of the ones we love, take care of our families and our communities. Our own physical and mental health is the foundation from which we can take care of all of our other responsibilities.
We owe it to our loved ones to put on our own oxygen masks first. The most important source of oxygen? Having a good job that pays all the bills.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a good life in this province, work a good job, and have their bills paid at the end of the day with some money left over.
We know that employment insecurity significantly impacts men's mental health, and can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
Albertans need secure, high-paying jobs so that we can afford to pay our bills and take care of the people that we love in our lives.
But Danielle Smith and her UCP government are preventing that:
Our electricity rates have quadrupled under the UCP and Smith’s answer to rising rates was to cut capital investment in electricity projects that would lower your bills.
She stalled action on reducing rents and housing costs by blocking cities from accessing federal funding for new home construction.
By preventing investors and the federal government from building things, Smith hurt job growth and depressed wages, especially for men who work in the trades.
Smith’s solution to the high cost of auto insurance is to increase rates by 15 per cent or more.
Her separatism referendum will kill investment in Alberta and harm investment in Canada, at a time when we need to be united to fight Donald Trump’s efforts to hurt us
Six years of a UCP government have given us the lowest wage growth in the country.
And Danielle Smith says Alberta’s record high youth unemployment rate is because, “kids don’t have their driver’s licenses.”
Our young people deserve better. All Albertans deserve better.
Alberta New Democrats are focused on real plans to create opportunity and good jobs for every Albertan. There is hope for a better future.
Annual General Meeting
The big event you’ve all been waiting for is just a few days away!
Yes, join me and the Calgary-Elbow NDP for our annual general meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17 at Windsor Park Community Association.
We will take care of a little important business and elect a new executive. If you are looking for a way to make Naheed Nenshi our next premier, please consider helping out with the Calgary-Elbow NDP constituency association.
We also need board members who are willing to organize events, fundraise, knock on doors, and contact voters to help us win in 2027, or sooner if the election is called early.
And, of course, there will be an opportunity for you to financially contribute to winning government in 2027 for a better Alberta in a united Canada. We will be asking for donations, but attending the meeting is free for members.
This meeting is for Alberta NDP members only. You can renew or sign up for your membership here.
Please RSVP if you are planning to attend. I hope to see you there!
Town Hall
There is a lot going on in Alberta politics right now and I want to hear what you are happy about or concerned about.
Please join me on Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Elboya Britannia Community Hall, 416 Park Ave SW, for an opportunity to learn what I’ve been working on and discuss the issues that are most pressing for you. Perhaps sovereignty, health care and affordability might come up.
Hope to see you there. Everyone is welcome.
By-elections are less than two weeks away
On Monday, June 23, Albertans can vote for a team that puts people first. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is running in Edmonton-Strathcona. Gurtej Singh Brar is our candidate in Edmonton-Ellerslie. And Bev Toews is working hard in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.
Alberta’s New Democrats are ready to tackle the housing crisis, invest in health care and education, bring down the cost of living and stand up for a strong Alberta and a united Canada.
Pints and Politics Cancelled
Wow, this summer is just jam-packed with so many great community events that my calendar is overwhelmed. I am sorry, but we are cancelling this month’s pub night but we will get back at in August.
You can RSVP here if you want to make sure it’s in your calendar for Thursday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at Marda Loop Brewing.
Stampede Pancake Breakfast
One of those not-to-be-missed events this summer is the Alberta NDP Caucus Stampede free pancake breakfast at the Haysboro Community Association, 1204 89 Avenue SW, on Sunday, July 6 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Come for the pancakes, games, and fun hosted by your favourite MLAs.
Marda Gras Street Festival
I am looking forward to taking part in this wonderful festival which is celebrating its 40th year.
So much fun for the whole family with an opportunity to connect with the Marda Loop community and local businesses, and also enjoy live music, dance and entertainment.
We need volunteers to help out at our booth on Sunday, Aug. 10. Please send us an email if you can spare some time to pitch in at the Calgary-Elbow booth.