MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Copper says he expects the Smith government to take action to address cost of living and inflation concerns during the next legislative session.
“I think there are a number of areas in which we will see some action take on these items,” Cooper told the Albertan. “I know the minister of Affordability and Utilities has spoken at length about a lot of the work that he is doing to help on affordability, and in particular in respect to utility bills and the costs of power, and in particular the unfair distribution fees that we experience here in rural Alberta.
“I hope and anticipate there to be some resolution and action on that file.”
First elected in 2015 then re-elected in 2019 and 2023, Cooper has been the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly since May 2019.
Cooper said the recently completed fall legislative session, which saw 13 bills passed, was productive, with the government “advancing a number of causes that were important to Albertans.
“I’ve heard lots of constituents who are very pleased with the overall direction of the government.”
Cooper said some of the legislation passed during the fall session was not high-profile but nonetheless important.
“Sometimes the stuff that moves through the legislature without much fanfare is often as important as the things that grab the headlines,” he said.
“I think these things are very important when it comes to driving our economy and advancing the interests of Albertans.”
He cited updates to the Alberta Bill of Rights Amendment as one such piece of lower profile legislation.
“That ensured Alberta’s rights and freedoms are properly protected and I’ve heard from lots of constituents that they are pleased that the government took action in this areal” he said.
“The Justice Statutes Amendment Act will begin the process of re-distributing the riding across the province. It creates a boundary commission for Alberta and is a requirement for every 10 years. It starts the process of recommending that the legislature increases by two seats, from 87 to 89.”
The Meat Inspection Act, which enables the system for licensing and inspection requirement for the slaughtering, processing and sale of meat, also passed during the fall session.
Cooper says that legislation “takes important steps in making sure that those who are representing themselves as selling inspected meat are actually doing that.”
The All-Season Resort Acts, which enables the responsible and sustainable development of year-round resorts on Alberta Crown land, also passed.
“Something like $3 billion of tourist activity lost every year to the province of British Columbia, largely because we don’t have the same resorts and facilities here in the province. The All-Season Resorts Act sets out a pathway for responsible and sustainable tourism development,” he said.
“Now there’s a very clear path on what those developments would require.”
NDP house leader Christina Gray reportedly said the 19-day fall session failed to address health care, education and affordability concerns.
“Danielle Smith’s agenda this session was all about helping Danielle Smith,” Gray said.
“Albertans have been clear, they want help with increasing cost of living. They are looking for access to health care, and they want a well-funded education system for their children.”
The next provincial budget is expected to be table in late February.
