As the Alberta provincial election draws nearer, the campaign trail has heated up with candidates from both the ruling Conservative Party and the main opposition NDP vying for votes.
The election, scheduled for May 29, is expected to be a highly contested battle between the two parties.
Conservative Party candidate Mickey Emery, backed by Alberta Premier Daniel Smith, has promised to reduce income tax by $760 a year for those earning over $60,000 if the party is re-elected. This reduction would be a significant boost to Alberta families, who face high income taxes.
Premier Smith also outlined his party's past development initiatives in various sectors such as health and education. The announcement was made in the presence of various candidates, including Emery, and members of the Bangladeshi community.
According to development researcher Md Mahmud Hasan, the proposed income tax concession for low to middle income earners is a welfare-oriented initiative. However, without real welfare programs to address challenges such as rising mortgage costs and continued pressure on commodity prices, the Conservatives' return to government remains uncertain.
As the campaign trail progresses, both parties will need to focus on addressing the concerns of the public to gain a competitive edge.