by Temple Scott Associates

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced today that the Alberta legislature has been dissolved and that a provincial election has been called for Monday May 29. Smith has been Premier since she took over from Jason Kenney as head of the United Conservative Party in October 2022. 

Rachel Notley, leader of the Opposition NDP, was Premier from 2015 to 2019. She officially launched her candidacy an hour after the election was called. “The fact is, it’s time for a better government,” said Notley. “One that focuses on what matters to you.” 

Key issues in the upcoming election are expected to include: 

• Taxation: Smith’s announcement focused on a new lowest tax bracket of 8 per cent on income up to $60,000. This continues a trend to cut taxes under the UCP, including a lowered business tax rate from 12 to 8 per cent in 2019. 
• Alberta’s healthcare system: A trend across Canada with an aging population and reduced availability of healthcare workers has placed the system under immense stress. Smith highlighted the UCP’s work to minimize surgical backlogs and wait times. Healthcare is also the favoured issue of the Opposition NDP. 
• The UCP’s announcement continued their history of a heavy focus on affordability, low taxes and continued economic growth 

Recent polling by Innovative Research indicates the UCP and NDP are neck and neck with four weeks until Election Day.

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