Rachel Notley

Definition

Rachel Notley is a Canadian politician who served as the 17th Premier of Alberta from 2015 to 2019, representing the Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP). Notley’s leadership marked a significant shift in Alberta's political landscape, particularly in how environmental policies were approached during her administration, showcasing a commitment to progressive measures and international climate agreements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rachel Notley led the NDP to a historic victory in the 2015 provincial election, ending nearly 44 years of Progressive Conservative rule in Alberta.
2. Under her leadership, Alberta implemented the Climate Leadership Plan, which included a carbon tax and measures to phase out coal-fired power plants.
3. Notley focused on balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, promoting renewable energy initiatives while recognizing the province's oil and gas sector.
4. Her government committed to ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement, emphasizing Alberta's role in addressing climate change.
5. Notley's tenure saw increased investment in public services, such as healthcare and education, as part of her broader social and environmental agenda.

Review Questions

• How did Rachel Notley's leadership influence Alberta's environmental policies?
  • Rachel Notley's leadership brought a significant transformation to Alberta's environmental policies, as she prioritized climate action through initiatives like the Climate Leadership Plan. This plan aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by implementing a carbon tax and transitioning away from coal energy. Notley's approach emphasized not only environmental sustainability but also the need to address economic impacts within Alberta's traditionally oil-dependent economy.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Climate Leadership Plan implemented during Notley's administration.
  • The Climate Leadership Plan was considered effective in establishing a framework for reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy in Alberta. It aimed to balance economic interests with environmental responsibilities, reflecting a broader shift in public policy towards sustainability. However, critics argued about potential negative impacts on jobs in the fossil fuel sector and questioned the long-term viability of some initiatives. Overall, the plan represented a pivotal step in Alberta's approach to climate change.
• Assess Rachel Notley's contributions to international climate commitments during her time as Premier and their implications for Alberta's future.
  • Rachel Notley's contributions to international climate commitments were pivotal in positioning Alberta as an active participant in global climate action discussions. By endorsing the Paris Agreement and aligning provincial policies with its targets, Notley sought to reshape Alberta's image and ensure its economic future included sustainable practices. This approach not only addressed immediate environmental concerns but also aimed to prepare Alberta for a changing economy that increasingly values sustainability, potentially influencing future policy directions and investments.

Related terms

Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP): A political party in Alberta that advocates for social democracy and progressive policies, which gained significant prominence under Rachel Notley's leadership.

Climate Leadership Plan: A strategy introduced by the Notley government aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning Alberta towards a more sustainable economy.

Paris Agreement:

An international treaty on climate change that aims to limit global warming, which the Notley government supported as part of its environmental commitments.