Richard Gotfried 高 飛

MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek

403-278-4444 • calgary.fishcreek@assembly.ab.ca • www.calgaryfishcreek.ab.ca

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With a big, Calgary-style Yahoo, summer is upon us!  Make plans this summer to take an Alberta break and enjoy the great outdoors.  Currently the Legislative Session is scheduled to continue through July, with a Stampede constituency break.  Stampede will be packed and busy, so the best time to reach me at my office will be Fridays during session.  Feel free to call or email us to make an appointment.

It has been a busy start to the 30th Session of the Alberta Legislature.  Bill 1 – the Carbon Tax Repeal Act has been given Royal Assent and this burdensome tax on everyday living is now a thing of the past.  I am confident that this will make a significant difference in affordability for individuals and families throughout Alberta, not to mention schools, recreation centres, Seniors residences and places of worship.  Alberta remains committed to high regulatory standards and reducing our environmental footprint.  Heavy emitters in oil and gas will still have levies to pay, and as a government Caucus, we will be searching for ways to encourage living by the 4 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle and repair. 

Two legislative items I would like to highlight that I believe will help stimulate growth and investment are Bill 3, the Job Creation Tax Cut Act and Bill 7 the Municipal Government (Property Tax Incentive) Amendment Act.  For economies to grow and provide the social services we all enjoy, businesses must see economically viable opportunities to invest.  Investment in money, time, and human capital is what Alberta needs to get the economy back on track and lowering the corporate tax rate enables businesses to keep operating in an increasingly competitive environment; both with other provinces and internationally.  Bill 7 provides a unique opportunity for local municipalities to market themselves on a broader scale and compete for new business coming to the province, which in past was often lost to US jurisdictions.  Governments do not create jobs but can help foster a business-friendly environment.  All of us know someone who has been out of work for an extended period of time who have become downtrodden and discouraged.  Creating viable opportunities for employment offers hope and optimism.

This summer challenge yourself to visit a new museum, provincial park, festival or other attraction.  The list is endless.  Create your own Alberta Bucket list from the list of extraordinary places Alberta has to offer.  One item to put on your “must do” list is my 4th Annual Stampede BBQ Saturday July 6th 11-2pm in the office parking lot.  Come for Spolumbos, games, face painting, carnival games, music and more.  As always your communication helps me to better represent you and my door is always open.