Alberta backs off funding cuts to low-income transit passes in Calgary and Edmonton
https:// livewirecalgary.com /2024/05/01/alberta-backs-off-funding-cuts-to-low-income-transit-passes-in-calgary-and-edmonton/ Alberta backs off funding cuts to low-income transit passes in Calgary and Edmonton
The Alberta government has backtracked on funding cuts to the low-income transit pass in the province’s two biggest cities.
According to information provided by the Alberta government, they will backstop the funding commitments they’ve made to both cities. In Calgary, that amount is $6.2 million.
On Tuesday, both of Alberta’s big city mayors spoke out about the funding cut, with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek saying that it was a “cruel” decision by the province. Calgary city council, after discussing the item behind closed doors, unanimously approved a plan to urge the province to reduce its requisition of the education portion of the property tax and ask them to pay the full amount of property tax on provincially owned properties in the city, up to the $6.2 million.
Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon spoke with media via Zoom on Wednesday afternoon. He said they’ve always wanted to ensure the low-income transit pass programs continue.
“The province does not want to see the low-income transit program in our two largest cities go anywhere, and we will make sure that we’re there to support if that’s what’s needed to be able to have it continue,” Nixon said.
He said that after conversations with both cities he recognized that cities needed further support to continue the programs.
I will give this government one thing, and one thing only. They make the most harebrained ass backwards decisions in the world when it comes to policy. But they do respond to public criticism, sometimes. I still am no fan, that's for sure. But when they are being extra gross, sometimes even these freaks know when to back off, whereas a lot of other administrations would double down and bear the criticism. So bravo for seeing right from wrong, but maybe don't make stupid ass decisions like this in the first place. Maybe focus a little less on rule by Facebook and corporate supporters, and focus more on the people who got you there, and what their actual needs are.
2Man, I wouldn't "give" them that point at all. The backtracking IS the scheme. They implement whatever completely shit ideological policy that's their flavour of the day, and UNLESS the populace reacts strongly, they say "welp, everyone must be in favour because no one screamed loud enough".
It's a fucking horseshit dirty way of implementing public policy and it's absolutely exhausting because they are doing it EVERYWHERE.
1UCP don't give a shit about Albertan's nor the province.
As of date they have fucked the following (super short list):
- Health Care - Cuts on top of cuts, also forcing doctors out or to certain areas after the local one left.
- Education - Cuts once again and is now trying to mess with federal funding for post secondary.
- Utilities - Removed caps on utilities.
- Park Land - Released Park Land for O&G to drill on.
- Support Programs - AISH got drastic cuts, just one of many examples.
- Carbon Tax - Had we maintained the lower rate we initially had then we wouldn't have been imposed the higher rate from Fed.
War Room - WTF has this pile of shit been able to accomplish besides chewing through cash.
The one thing that they have successfully achieved is bringing hatred and dividing the province's people.
1For sure, I'm just pointing out this one bleak but relevant fact. Also your list is way too short.
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