Smith is making the UCP members happy. It is good for her to make UCP members happy. They meet this weekend in Red Deer to vote on her leadership
The question came Saturday on Premier Danielle Smith’s radio show.
What about the long-promised tax cut?
That’s the cut in personal income taxes announced in the kickoff to Smith’s election campaign.
The election was in May of last year.
Yes, people still ask about the tax cut because they are not sure of the answer.
I was there, on the driveway in Auburn Bay in the most conservative part of Calgary when Smith made her promise.
Individuals would save $760 a year, a family would keep more than $1,500.
The tax cut was intended to show Albertans heading to the polls how the premier understood cost of living was issue number one.
At the time Smith said: “The tax cut will result in real and significant savings that can be put towards housing, life’s other necessities, planning for the future or whatever is a priority for Albertans.
“After all, it’s your money. You earned it, not the government.”
Well said and we’re still waiting for the tax cut in a province where the cost of living has shrunk the Alberta Advantage of bygone days.
Smith now tells us there are a number of things putting pressure on the bottom line.
She wants to make sure the province’s books are balanced.
She says her budget boss Nate Horner has been concerned about oil and gas prices.
She says in the last month oil prices have been below $70 a barrel and her government is budgeting this year for $74 a barrel.
The premier adds there’s been “a productivity review” to look at government spending and create the room to roll out the tax cut.
For Smith it is a “big policy decision” and we will hear more about what’s what in the next budget come February.
It doesn’t sound like a firm Yes.
Then again, there are birds chirping in the Smith universe that the tax cut is a go.
Was the premier hedging her bets on the radio, not wanting to overpromise and underdeliver again?
Remember the promised tax cut had been delayed, with half the cut in 2026 and half the cut in 2027 but no cut in 2025.
Now we will hold the premier’s feet to the fire for the cut in the new year.
Right now, of course, Smith is busy.
Smith is making the UCP members happy. It is good for her to make UCP members happy. They meet this weekend in Red Deer to vote on her leadership.
Former premier Jason Kenney did not make half the UCP members happy and that’s why he is the former premier.
Smith is ripping into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at every opportunity. She and her inner circle will be going after Trudeau and his carbon tax this week.
She will be acting on the parental rights file this week, where she drew a standing ovation at last year’s UCP get-together.
She is the one who brought forward the sovereignty act. She supported an Alberta pension plan. She is giving her supporters most of what they want.
We’re taking the time machine back to the bad old days of COVID.
“The provincial government will not put in mandates that force somebody to take a medical procedure they don’t want to take.”
On social media, Smith uses a short sentence.
“Albertans will never again be subject to a government vaccine mandate.”
She continues the same line when fielding questions from newshounds.
“We should have listened to some of the medical voices that warned us about some of the consequences that would happen with lockdowns.”
Let’s not forget guns.
Smith says law-abiding gun owners have come under an “incredible attack” from Ottawa.
The premier promises to push back and reinforce the right to acquire, keep and use guns lawfully.
“With the federal government intending to confiscate firearms purchased by law-abiding citizens we’re wanting to let them know they’re in for a fight.
“We are sending a message to Ottawa. Albertans will forfeit these rights.”
Then there’s expanding the protection of freedom of speech going beyond writing and speaking to “expressive activities.”
She’s not finished. Smith is on to property rights and fighting those taking away the use of property without giving compensation.
At this point some readers may say they don’t want to hear anything about COVID and they don’t own guns.
This day and this week is not about you.
“We must vigilant to ensure the rights and freedoms of Albertans continue to be protected.
“We’re not going to be passive. We’re going to defend our jurisdiction.”
Onward to Red Deer!