At a Glance - Week of July 3, 2024
Alberta to Opt-Out of Federal Dental Plan
In a recent letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Danielle Smith indicated that the provincial government intends on pulling out of the new national dental plan by 2026. “Alberta is seeking to negotiate an agreement for the province’s share of federal dental funding and will use this unconditional funding to expand dental coverage to more low-income Albertans.”
“For Albertans, the addition of another dental plan is both complex and confusing. Juggling two overlapping plans and struggling to understand their similarities and differences from a coverage viewpoint is challenging.”
Federal Health Minister Mark Holland accused Alberta of playing politics with the issue, saying “if they can do it better, then I want to work with them. I’m not looking for fights – we’re looking for solutions.”
Province Posts Another Surplus
The 2023-24 year-end fiscal report was released by Finance Minister Nate Horner recently, highlighted by a $4.3 billion surplus. According to budget forecasts, this is nearly $2 billion greater than what was estimated.
The surplus exceeded projections in large part to an increase of $4.1 billion in provincial revenue. Additionally, the potential surplus was mitigated in part by a $2.5 billion increase in taxpayer-supported debt. Expenses were also $2.1 billion over the projected numbers as well.
Oil is selling for $1.33 less than projected in budget; however, the average of $77.83 does not cross the threshold required for the province to implement relief on the provincial gas tax (currently set at 13 cents per litre).
Nenshi Announces Changes to NDP Leadership
Following his election as leader of the Alberta NDP, Naheed Nenshi announced two major changes to the party hierarchy. Edmonton-Mill Woods MLA Christina Gray was announced as the new Leader of the Official Opposition on an interim basis. This was done as Nenshi does not have a seat in the Legislature and there must always be someone in the house that holds the title. She will also continue to serve as the Opposition House Leader.
Additionally, Edmonton-Whitemud MLA Rakhi Pancholi was named the new Deputy Leader of the Alberta NDP. She was a contestant in the party’s leadership race but decided to end her candidacy shortly after Nenshi launched his campaign. She previously served in critic roles for Children’s Services and Education before launching her campaign. She joined Nenshi’s team as his Executive Chair after she exited the race.
Legislature Pools Set to Re-Open
The Legislature grounds in Edmonton are always a busy spot during the Canada Day weekend. This year is expected to be the busiest since the COVID-19 pandemic as two pools will officially reopen after renovations are completed. The reflecting pool and dome fountain pool had been closed since 2020 due to persistent leaks dating back to 2016.
Speaker Nathan Cooper expressed his excitement for the reopening, saying “seeing it through the window brightens my day on even the longest of speaker days.” The new spray park and river feature being added as part of the revitalization are expected to open next summer. Minister of Infrastructure Pete Guthrie shared his enthusiasm. “Albertans and visitors to the legislature have been waiting a long time for these pools to reopen and I am thrilled that Phase 1 is done for them to enjoy this summer! I look forward to continuing the work to keep our legislature grounds accessible, safe and fun for everyone for decades to come.”