What to Expect
A new year means that we’re only 23 weeks from Alberta’s next provincial election, to be held on May 29, 2023, at the latest. Between now and then, expect budget announcements leading to the document’s release on February 28 to maximize its political utility. Online budget consultations and submissions – which allow members of the public and other stakeholders to request funding or just have their say on what the budget priorities should be – will close on January 15.
The two main parties will be wrapping up their nominations with the election looming. As of this week, the nomination count looks like this:
- New Democratic Party 69/87
- United Conservative Party: 52/87
- Green Party: 23/87
- Alberta Party: 3/87
- Liberal Party: 1/87
The Week That Was
According to Statistics Canada, Alberta saw an increase in jobs for December 2022 compared to last year. The increase consisted of almost 25,000 jobs, maintaining the provincial 5.8 per cent unemployment rate despite the jump.
Both Alberta’s governing UCP and Opposition NDP announced they have raised approximately $7 million for the 2022 fiscal year; both parties have until March 31 to officially submit their final financial statements.
To address the increase in the cost of living expenses, the provincial government has announced a new online portal in addition to in-person locations whereby eligible recipients of the monthly inflation relief may apply and access their affordability payments, beginning January 18, 2023.
