Response to the Throne Speech – A Promising Road Ahead With the delivery of the Throne Speech by the Honourable Lieutenant Governor Norman Kwong (it is always a pleasure being in the company of such a distinguished and humble Albertan), I am launching my new foray into the world of blogging. My goal will be to provide some commentary, insight and thought for discussion on issues we are facing in Alberta. I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts with anyone who wants to listen, agree or criticize!
I thought I would use my first blog post to share my thoughts on the Speech from the Throne. I want to touch on how it relates to me and the fiscal principles that I, among others, stand for. If it is not obvious by now, renewing Alberta’s competitiveness is the main focus of the government. Most notably it appears the government is very serious about reducing the amount and cost to business of regulations and red tape. Indicating that ”government regulation must accomplish our collective goals, while at the same time promoting business entrepreneurship, individual liberty, and creativity” is, in my opinion, a step in the right direction - admitting that, currently, we may not be striking the right balance. Going further, the Throne Speech committed to making Alberta “the most competitive jurisdiction in North America” by “minimizing the cost of doing business here, including the cost of regulation”.
The Throne Speech also recognized the fiscal challenges we have with the most “volatile revenue stream in North America”. While the details of a long-term fiscal framework will be laid out in the days ahead, it was acknowledged in the Throne Speech that we are in the enviable position we are in today because of such fiscal foresight and hard work. For me this is encouraging, as this recognition is an important stepping stone to renewing the government’s commitment to a long term fiscal vision – a vision that will ensure “Albertans will continue to enjoy the highest incomes, the lowest taxes and the most advanced public infrastructure.”
All in all, the Throne Speech was a good recognition of some of our biggest challenges and opportunities that we have in Alberta today. It doesn’t provide all the answers to these challenges and opportunities; however, it is the first step of what will be a lot of hard work and heavy lifting to make sure Alberta is the best place to live, work, play and invest. We should never take this for granted as Albertans; it is this conscientious approach that has made Alberta what it is today.
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