The Weekly Roundup - January 22, 2024
Last week, Alberta NDP Leader and 17th Premier of the province Rachel Notley announced her intent to step down as leader. Notley won the party’s leadership in 2014, and grew the third party caucus of four to form government in 2015 with 54 seats. After two defeats against the United Conservative Party in 2019 and 2023, the NDP will hold a leadership race and for the first time in a decade, see how the party fares without its identity being closely tied to the charismatic and formidable Notley.
Details of the leadership contest are still being ironed out by the party’s provincial council. Until the rules are finalized, potential candidates are working behind the scenes organizing and testing the strength and viability of a run. With Notley staying on as leader during the leadership race there will be continuity during the upcoming spring session of the Legislature. That being said, a drawn out leadership process would stand to benefit the governing party.
For more analysis on Rachel Notley’s legacy and a preview of what’s to come in the upcoming leadership race, you can listen to New West Public Affairs Partner Keith McLaughlin and Director of Communications Christine Myatt on CBC’s West of Centre podcast.
Below, you’ll find the other top federal and provincial stories of the week.
Top Federal Stories of the Week
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet is holding a retreat in Montreal to lock in united messaging and chart a course for the upcoming session of the House of Commons that begins in one week. It appears the Liberal Cabinet understands the need to set the narrative on issues of importance to Canadians at the retreat, with a focus on affordability and announcements on matters of importance to Canadians including an international student cap and announcing a national summit on auto theft,
The Bank of Canada’s first interest rate decision of the year will be released on Wednesday, where many analysts are anticipating a hold of the policy interest rate at 5 per cent. Inflationary pressures continue to be top of mind for many Canadians (and economists), and the comments Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem makes on Wednesday may hint at whether there will be any rate cuts further down the line in 2024.
Top Alberta Stories of the Week
Alberta’s power grid has been thrust into the spotlight this month following the emergency alert sent to Albertans during the recent cold snap with an ask to conserve electricity. Net zero by 2035 vs 2050 has already been a major focus of the UCP government, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe couldn’t help but to bring up the reliability of natural gas and coal when responding to Alberta’s shortage.
The Premier will be making a series of public speeches after taking some time off in January, beginning with her appearance with controversial American pundit Tucker Carlson in Calgary this Wednesday. In the first week of February, she’ll be taking her message of Alberta’s strength being Canada’s strength to Ontario, with speeches at the Economic Club of Canada in Ottawa and at the Albany Club in Toronto.
Upcoming Events Calendar
January 29, 2024: House of Commons resumes sitting
February 28, 2024: Alberta Legislature resumes sitting