Â鶹ÊÓƵ

CALGARY — United Conservative Leader Danielle Smith is accusing her chief political rival of not standing up for Albertans when it comes to the cost of living.  

At a campaign stop in Calgary, Smith outlined plans to address a shortfall of qualified workers in areas such as nursing, child care and skilled trades with the use of bonuses and tax credits. 

She says while the UCP has been trying to make things more affordable for Albertans, NDP Leader Rachel Notley is supporting the federal government's plan of getting to a net zero power grid by 2035.

Smith estimates that will increase power rates by 40 per cent and add stress to those on fixed income, renters and average families.

She says voters need to know that support would make it the most expensive campaign promise during the election.

Smith also questioned who Notley is really representing and where her allegiances are.

"I think we should be very, very concerned about the influence on the NDP, not only the unions who are embedded in their decision-making process and their delegate status and choose their leader, as well as the influence of (federal NDP leader) Jagmeet Singh," she said Thursday.

"I question whether she works for Albertans or works for her federal leader."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 4, 2023.

The Canadian Press