Alberta’s NDP Leader disappointed following UCP’s gradual reopening economy approach

EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – Opposition Leader Rachel Notley is speaking out following Wednesday’s announcement from Premier Jason Kenney on phase one of the government’s plan to reopen the economy.

Premier Jason Kenney said the province will be taking a gradual approach to reopen the economy, especially in Calgary and Brooks, meaning only certain retail businesses will be allowed to open on May 14.

Kenney said his government is taking this approach because Calgary and Brooks have had the highest COVID-19 cases numbers as opposed to the rest of the province.

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Businesses such as bars, restaurants, hair salons and barbershops in Calgary and Brooks will not be opening Thursday, instead, they are scheduled to reopen on May 25.

Notley says the government’s phase one approach is disappointing and she feels deeply for Calgarians who were expecting to reopen their businesses.

She says there are a lot of restaurants who have stocked up on food, who may now have to watch it spoil.

WATCH: Premier Jason Kenney and Dr. Deena Hinshaw provides COVID-19 update and Relaunch Strategy update

Over the last two weeks, Notley says they have heard from many Alberta businesses who feel left behind by the UCP government.

“While they are anxious to greet customers, to start earning revenue, to bring people back to work and to return to some semblance of normal operations many still feel hesitant and unprepared to open their doors immediately,” said Notley.

She adds, there are still serious cash flow problems, safety concerns, and unanswered questions.