Albertans have so much to look forward to right now. Our economy is booming, our budget is balanced, and our taxes are low. Unfortunately, however, many families in the Camrose region and across Alberta are struggling with high costs due to inflation right now. That is why our United Conservative government is working so hard to make life more affordable at this important time in our economic recovery.
As you probably know, we are extending the gas tax cut for gasoline, diesel, and farm fuel. Countless residents have told me how much this tax cut has helped them during these challenging economic times, so I’m pleased it is being extended until at least the end of September. This is just one way we are making life affordable.
Another way we are making life more affordable is by extending the electricity rebate for an additional three months. This program will now provide $50 rebates for a total of six months – July to December – amounting to $300 in rebates for over 1.9 million homes, farms, and small businesses. Many Albertans are starting to receive this series of rebates this month.
These are just a few things we are doing right now, but I want you to know that we are continuing to work on new programs and initiatives to fight inflation and make life more affordable for working families. I look forward to updating you on this soon.
In addition to making life more affordable or families, we are also investing in our communities.
As you may know, as part of Budget 2022, our government announced $27.4 million in Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program funding for 45 new municipal transportation infrastructure projects across the province. This past week, more of these projects were announced, and Camrose will be getting three culvert replacements for a total of just over $1 million.
We know this funding is critical to supporting municipalities like the Camrose Constituency in developing and maintaining key local transportation infrastructure to promote economic growth and improve travel for residents and industry. I look forward to updating you on this soon.
As always, all our farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers are working so hard right now. My heart breaks for those who have experienced hail.
As you may know, our government recently challenged Ottawa’s ridiculous proposal to put warning labels on ground meat, which would have negatively impacted Alberta producers. I’m pleased to report the federal government has backed down and will exempt ground meat and poultry from its proposed stricter nutrition labelling regulations, set to be in place by 2026.
Eight straight months of job growth, 200,000 new jobs, and the lowest unemployment since 2015 means our province is coming back stronger than ever. As we celebrate this new Alberta Advantage, I hope you and your family are having a wonderful summer.