David Khan's response to Premier Kenney's Address to Albertans:

You may, like me, have watched Premier Kenney’s televised address to Albertans last night. It was a sobering picture of the challenges we will face in the weeks and months ahead. 

I stand with Premier Kenney in urging everyone to follow the advice of our public health experts.

I have the utmost confidence in their strategy to fight the spread of COVID-19, flatten the curve, and minimize its impact on Albertans.

Of course, the success of this plan relies on both you and me doing our part.

We are in this together. 

And if we are truly all in this together, then the government must support all sectors of the economy and all who contribute to it. 

Every effort must be made to keep employees in their jobs – to help with their mental health, their financial situation, and to allow businesses and organizations to easily reopen and hit the ground running once physical distancing measures are relaxed. 

Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan is calling on the federal government to support Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic through a Universal Basic Income. 

Khan stated, “I support many of the measures announced by the federal government yesterday. This is a good foundation upon which to tackle this crisis but we will need a bolder policy response in the coming weeks. 

“That is why we are calling on the federal government to implement a temporary Universal Basic Income (UBI) of $1500 a month per Canadian adult and $500 per child. This UBI should not be means-tested. In this current situation, past earnings are not going to reliably indicate who needs fiscal support. 

A message from Alberta Liberal Leader David Khan:

On behalf of the Alberta Liberal Party, I hope you are all staying well during these extremely difficult times. Albertans are facing an unprecedented global crisis. The entire world will be impacted for months and possibly years.

It's vital that we do all we can to stay healthy during this pandemic. We must also reach out to help others with their challenges. Please follow the advice to wash your hands frequently and maintain social distancing. Look out for one another, especially the elderly and more vulnerable members of our society. 

Visit the Alberta Government’s website on COVID-19 for information and updates.

COVID-19 presents a serious public policy crisis for all Albertans. There are significant implications for health care, the economy, labour rights and the future structuring of our social services. 

It's most important we heed the expert advice of public health officials, health care workers and our elected representatives. They have the most current and accurate information. They are committed to making the necessary and difficult decisions that will benefit all of us. 

I am urging all political parties and all levels of government to work cooperatively and respectfully. United we can effectively manage the immense challenges we are facing across Alberta and throughout Canada. 

We'll get through this together. Stay safe.

Dave