Carolyn Brost-Strom (left) and Nicole Rancourt are both running for the NDP in Prince Albert's two ridings. They say cost of living is the biggest concern they hear while talking to voters. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Election 2024

Local candidates reiterate cost of living a main concern in Prince Albert

Oct 17, 2024 | 10:37 AM

The two candidates running for the NDP party in Prince Albert spoke to media yesterday about what they have heard as a primary concern for local residents. They did so standing in front of a trunk of groceries.

Carolyn Brost-Strom, running in Prince Albert-Carlton, said she too feels the pinch when it comes to providing for a family.

“Here I have my van stocked with all the groceries my family are going to need for the week,” said Brost-Strom, “and our gas tank is full, ready for school pick up, drop off, volleyball, basketball and dance class. We are busy.”

Brost-Strom and Nicole Rancourt, running in Prince Albert-Northcote then talked about how the NDP will make suspending the gas tax a main priority and stop PST on items like children’s clothing.

The change to the gas tax will save .15 cents per litre alone, they said.

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“I spend a lot of time talking with families like mine at their door and I hear the top concerns about how much fuel costs and filling up their fridge,” Brost-Strom said.

Rancourt pointed out that the party knows reducing the gas tax will also reduce government revenue and they have a fully-costed platform.

“We know right now that with affordability, families cannot afford any more taxes, they need some money in their pockets right now to help them afford the day-to-day things that we rely on.”

The gas tax cut would be temporary and end after six months. Other provinces, such as Albert and Manitoba, had similar measures in the last two years as people struggled with pandemic-caused inflation.

Brost-Strom said she is open to the idea of modifying the minimum wage, which increased to $15/hour as of October 1.

It still remains the lowest minimum wage in Canada, she said.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com