NDP victory in Alberta a win for workers: Unifor

Premier-elect Notley to strengthen public sector

In an unprecedented move, the Alberta NDP have usurped a four-decade dynasty helmed by the Progressive Conservatives — and the victory could mean a stronger workforce, according to Unifor.

Following a majority win for premier-elect Rachel Notley and the New Democrats in Alberta’s provincial election last night, the country’s biggest private sector union is welcoming what it calls a new era.

“Tonight, hope has triumphed over fear,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor’s president. “Albertans have demonstrated their confidence that there are viable alternatives to Jim Prentice and the Conservatives, and voted for a government that will put their needs first.”

On the campaign trail, the NDP made commitments to protect public services, including health care and education, by reversing significant cuts floated by Conservative leader and outgoing premier Prentice earlier this year. Dias added that Notley would take a balanced approach to corporate taxes — something Prentice was reluctant to change despite hiking public taxes.

“No one can solve Alberta’s woes overnight, but today’s historic election is a confident step in the right direction,” Dias said, pointing to ex-premier Peter Lougheed and adding that, “A generation after Peter Lougheed, it is the NDP who took up the cause of ‘thinking like owners’ and putting resources to work for Alberta’s families.”

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