Affordability Framework
- Dutch-style mortgages with automatic rate reduction
- Prairie power grid integration for stable electricity prices
- Public automobile insurance through provincial cooperation
- $18 unified minimum wage and fuel tax elimination
The NPA's affordability platform addresses major household expenses through structural reforms rather than temporary relief measures. These proposals target housing costs, energy prices, insurance premiums, and income levels to create lasting improvements in family finances.
Policy Priorities
| Initiative | Target Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dutch-Style Mortgages | Automatic interest rate reduction as principal decreases |
| Prairie Power Grid | Access to Manitoba hydroelectric power for stable rates |
| Public Car Insurance | Estimated $700+ annual savings per driver |
| $18 Minimum Wage | $6,240 annual income increase for minimum wage workers |
| Fuel Tax Elimination | 13 cents per litre immediate relief |
Dutch-Style Mortgage System
The NPA supports adopting a mortgage structure where interest rates automatically decrease as borrowers reduce their principal balance. Unlike conventional mortgages requiring refinancing to access better rates, this system rewards debt reduction without additional applications or fees.
Prairie Power Grid Integration
Connecting Alberta's electricity grid to Manitoba's hydroelectric capacity through interprovincial transmission infrastructure would provide access to stable, competitively-priced renewable power. Regional cooperation among Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba creates purchasing leverage and supply diversification.
Public Automobile Insurance
Establishing public automobile insurance in cooperation with existing provincial systems in Saskatchewan and Manitoba offers significant cost advantages:
- Premium Reduction: Studies indicate potential savings exceeding $700 annually per driver
- Administrative Efficiency: Single-provider systems eliminate marketing costs and profit extraction
- Safety Investment: Public insurers prioritize accident prevention and driver education
- Universal Coverage: Government systems ensure all drivers can access basic insurance at regulated rates
Wage and Fuel Measures
The NPA proposes increasing Alberta's minimum wage to $18 per hour while eliminating the student wage differential. Combined with complete removal of the provincial fuel tax (13 cents per litre), these measures provide immediate financial relief while boosting economic activity through increased consumer spending.