Usapang Pederal

Message of the Month: Making life more affordable and sustainable for Albertan Families

As we head into this new parliamentary session, let’s take a moment and reflect on what we have accomplished together. Since 2015, making life more affordable and sustainable has always been our government’s focus. As Canadians across the country are feeling the rising cost of living, our government is delivering targeted supports that put more money back in the pockets of Canadians to help them weather the tough times ahead.

Building a child care system is not just a social policy to ensure Canadian families have access to affordable child care, but an economic policy that helps grow our economy and create good paying jobs. On November 15th, 2022, Alberta signed onto the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Since then, Alberta families are already seeing a 50% reduction in childcare costs, and by March 31st, 2026, will see that cost drop down to $10-a-day. For every dollar invested in early childhood education, the broader economy receives up to $2.80 in return. Creating affordable child care and early learning spaces is good for Albertans, for Alberta families, and for the economy of Alberta. These measures build on the strong results we have been delivering for Canadians since 2015, including the introduction and strengthening of Canada Child Benefit (CCB), which lifted 435,000 children across the country out of poverty.

Nobody should have to choose between taking care of their kids’ teeth and putting food on the table. Yet, one-third of Canadians do not have dental insurance and affordable dental care. That is why we have launched the Canada Dental Benefit on December 1st, 2022. The Canada Dental Benefit will provide eligible parents and guardians with direct, tax-free payments of up to $650 per child, per year – to a maximum of $1,300 per child over the next two years – to help cover out-of-pocket dental care expenses for their children under 12. This program will help children access the basic dental care they need, while we develop a long-term Canada-wide dental care program.

The Climate Action Incentive payment puts money directly in the pockets of Albertans while ensuring that polluters pay their fair share. By putting a price on pollution, our government is taking decisive action on climate change while supporting Canadians with the cost of living. The Climate Action Incentive Payment is deposited straight into inclusive, and more sustainable economy. Have your say this year. Visit LetsTalkBudget2023.ca to share your ideas or contact our offices directly.

We look forward to hearing from all of you and we wish you all a Happy Family Day!

Sulong Alberta! Gumagalang, George, Randy, at Rechie

Hon. Randy Boissonnault is the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre. He has been Canada’s Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance since October 2021.

George Chahal is the Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview.

Rechie Valdez is the Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville. She is Canada’s first Filipina Member of Parliament.

Contacts

The Hon. Randy Boissonnault MP for Edmonton Centre Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance

Main office – Edmonton #202, 10235 124 St Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1P9

Telephone:780-442-1888

George Chahal

MP for Calgary Skyview

Main office – Calgary 101-7 Westwinds Crescent NE Calgary, AB

T3J 5H2

Telephone: 403-291-0018

Email: George.Chahal@parl.gc.ca

Website: GeorgeChahalMP.ca