He had strong words for the provincial government:
“We need our provincial government to step up because tackling houselessness, mental health, addictions and trauma is their responsibility. They need to show up for our most vulnerable. People’s human dignity and our economic recovery depends on it”.
He highlighted the inequities Edmonton has suffered under the UCP government:
“From 2007 to 2021, Edmonton has received $1.1B less compared to Calgary under the MSI and Basic Municipal Transportation funding”.
“Edmonton is a regional hub for social services. We carry a disproportionate burden providing servicing to Alberta’s most vulnerable for which we receive no recognition or financial support”.
“Every year, Edmonton loses $14M in tax revenue because our provincial government is not paying its fair share of property taxes on the buildings they occupy.”
“In the past 3 years, our world-renowned University of Alberta has faced the largest budget cuts of any post-secondary in the province. Now totaling $222 million, stifling innovation and hurting students”.
