She’s still standing..Despite a barrage of negative press, personal attacks and “character assassination” — in her words — UCP leader Danielle Smith said she’s confident a positive, issues focussed campaign will ultimately win the hearts and minds of Albertans in Monday’s election..Smith appeared upbeat and confident at a media availability near Calgary’s international airport Friday as she made a final pitch for undecided voters..When asked about a Janet Brown poll that showed the Notley NDP losing support among women voters due to an overly negative campaign, Smith said: “I’d like to flip that around and suggest we’re gaining support” due to a positive UCP message. .Smith said all elections are important, but described Monday’s vote as “one of the most consequential elections our province has seen in decades.”.“For me the focus has always been clear — it’s about everyday Albertans, their families, their livelihoods and their safety,” she continued. .“What does the NDP have? They’ve got nothing more than fear and negativity and misinformation. In fact, scaremongering has been their entire campaign strategy, other than promising to raise taxes.”.Rather than announce policy planks, Smith riffed on familiar themes throughout the campaign: lower taxes, healthcare and public safety..Smith contrasted the UCP with Rachel Notley’s NDP, who have spent the last month trying to run from their record of higher personal income taxes, raised taxes on job creators, record debt, and a carbon tax she never ran on. .Central to the NDP’s campaign is a 38% hike on business owners and job creators. .Smith said Notley’s tax hike has been panned by business groups, economists, the CLAC union, and others who have said it will lead to job losses and drive out investment. .“According to their own projections, the tax hike will burden Alberta job creators with more than $6.2 billion dollars in additional costs over three years. These are costs that will lead employers to lay off employees, pass the costs on to families, or just move elsewhere,” she said. .Smith insisted, in fact, the tax hike would see Alberta’s competitive tax advantage disappear, giving the edge to more than two dozen American states..“During her four-year term as premier, Rachel Notley saw people leave the province by the tens of thousands, businesses shutter, and investment leave the province, all while racking up more debt—$70 billion—than all previous premiers combined. The $2.3 billion in finance charges Rachel Notley saddled the province with could have been better used for essential services like healthcare, education, and supports for Albertans who need it.”.Smith touted what she said was a “positive message,” including tax breaks, safer streets, support for oil and gas and steps to grow and diversify the economy while taking steps to reduce emissions and protect the environment..“Rachel Notley refuses to accept her role in the devastation of Alberta’s economy,” said Smith. “All she is putting forward are recycled policies like tax hikes and debt accrual that will once again drive out jobs and investment, and send Albertans fleeing elsewhere,” she said..“The choice could not be clearer,” concluded Smith. “On the one hand, Albertans can choose between Rachel Notley and the NDP who want to go back to high taxes, reckless spending, fiscal mismanagement, and making them pay for their mistakes. Or they can choose the UCP that is relentlessly focused on moving Alberta forward with a plan for stability, low taxes, job growth, safe streets, and keeping life affordable for Albertans. .“I believe Albertans will choose the latter.”
