At a Glance
Province Delays Change to Traffic Ticket System
The province announced this week that they are “pausing the rollout of Phase 2 (of the SafeRoads Alberta Plan)”. The UCP said the program was intended to reduce the number of traffic violation challenges clogging up the already overloaded police and court system. The province said that more than 2 million traffic tickets are issued each year in Alberta and to keep up with the challenges, the courts are dedicating 10 courtrooms per day just for traffic tickets. Controversy stems from the fact that drivers will now have to pay a fee if they wish to dispute a traffic ticket. The non-refundable fees range from $50 to $150 depending on the cost of the ticket.
The new system also implements a seven-day limit on challenging a ticket. Critics argue that many Albertans can’t afford a $150 non-refundable fee which will make justice unaffordable for countless Albertans. A joint statement from Ministers Rajan Sawhney and Sonya Savage said, “we will take the next 90 to 120 days to ensure that we communicate and consult with Albertans and that they are educated on the changes proposed in Phase 2. We will listen to what Albertans have to say and we will share the benefits of these changes with them”.
End to COVID-19 Restrictions Just Around the Corner
Kenney announced that next week Albertans will have an end date to COVID-19 vaccine passports along with a plan to phase out all health restrictions by the end of February. Alberta’s neighbour to the east has announced similar plans to lift all COVID-19 restrictions within the next few months. As of this week, more than 91% of all Canadians over the age of 18 have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 33,879 confirmed cases in Alberta, with 1,598 people in hospital and 112 in intensive care. Countries around the world including England, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and others have relaxed or altogether eliminated COVID-19 restrictions.
Erin O’Toole Ousted as Conservative Party of Canada Leader
On February 2, the CPC caucus voted 73 to 45 to remove Erin O’Toole as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. This decision comes after months of inner-party conflicts including a petition released by Saskatchewan CPC Senator Denise Batters, Q.C., multiple letters from electoral district associations across the country, open letters from Members of Parliament, and more.
Former Wildrose Party leader and vocal opponent of Jason Kenney, Brian Jean, wasted no time and took to Twitter to attack the Premier and challenge his leadership. “If the UCP caucus had secret ballot rules like these, then Kenney would have been removed a long time ago. But they don’t and bullying, threats and intimidation are how Jason Kenney keeps control” was Jean’s official statement on the matter. Jean is the UCP candidate for the currently vacant riding of Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche and has made it clear that once elected, he is gunning for the Premier position. Premier Kenney will be facing a leadership vote in the spring.
Protestors Impede Traffic at U.S. Border Crossing
A group of protestors frustrated with COVID-19 restrictions have set up a blockade on the highway leading to Alberta’s main U.S. border crossing. The protestors are acting in solidarity with the “freedom convoy” who raised over $10 million dollars travelling across the country protesting mandatory vaccinations for drivers as well as other COVID-19 restrictions. The Alberta protest is comprised of semi-trailers, heavy equipment, and trucks flying Canadian flags and donning signs saying “we want freedom” as well as other related slogans.
The blockade, which began on Sunday, has stranded travelers and cross-border truckers, compromised essential trade routes, and impeded access to goods and services for residents on both sides of the border. Protestors agreed Wednesday to open a lane of traffic in each direction for necessary travel, but RCMP has been unable to negotiate terms to end the blockade.
No End in Sight for Rising Utility Prices
Albertans are struggling to keep up with the rising utility costs in the province. Electricity prices have fluctuated dramatically over the past year, going as low as four cents per kilowatt-hour to as high as 17 cents. The outrageous prices Albertans are paying are partially caused by out-of-control administrative charges. There is no relief in sight with more carbon taxes, global instability, and cold winters coming to Albertan. As a result, many are unsure if they are going to be able to keep up. The UCP has mused that it may consider reintroducing rebates if these steep prices persist. The UCP had scrapped electricity price caps back in 2019.