Happy Thanksgiving

Jason Copping
MLA, Calgary-Varsity
calgary.varsity@assembly.ab.ca
Unit 201, 1055 20^th Avenue NW
403-216-5436

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I want to first and foremost thank the residents of Calgary-Varsity.  I hear from many of you and the passion you have for our province is evident.  From small family businesses, startup innovators, teachers, doctors, nurses and thousands of others who contribute to Alberta, I know this year has been tough, but we have a lot to be grateful for. Though Albertans are faced by great challenges, we will overcome by working together.

To help deal with these difficult times the government is implementing Alberta’s Recovery Plan. This plan builds on our economic strengths to attract investment and position our province for prosperity. It will create jobs, build important infrastructure, and help diversify the economy for the future. Investments in our schools, roadways, water systems, and more will provide a much-needed boost to the economy.

In addition, Alberta’s recovery is focusing on lowering barriers to local job creators and building strength in new sectors like natural gas, aviation, and technology. As we weather the immediate effects of COVID-19 in our community, government is introducing programs that will strengthen the economy in the long-run.

Responding to the pandemic and economic crisis has a cost. Alberta is facing a historic deficit of $24.2 billion, including over $14 billion for COVID-19 relief programs.  This is the right thing to do to support and protect all Albertans. As this deficit will drive up interest payments, it is important now more than ever that government be as efficient as possible to limit the impact on future generations.  

Despite these challenges, I continue to be thankful for all the work Albertans are doing to get through this together.  As always, if you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to my office at Calgary.Varsity@assembly.ab.ca.