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People in Edmonton are most likely to think the NDP is striking the right balance — 60 per cent — well ahead of 32 per cent in Calgary and 36 per cent in the rest of the province.

“None of these policies should be a surprise to anyone. This is what the NDP campaigned on during the election,” said Mainstreet president Quito Maggi.

“It surprised me that people felt the pace (of change) was too much.”

Maggi said it appears some Albertans are feeling “a little bit spooked” by the economic slowdown gripping the province due to low oil prices, a trend that’s likely generating anxiety towards government policies such as increasing the minimum wage or reviewing royalties.

“It’s just creating an uncertainty — what is it all going to mean?”

One of the most contentious changes unfolded last week when the government announced it would hike the minimum wage by $1 to $11.20 an hour starting in October, part of a broader plan to raise it to $15 an hour by 2018.

Business groups maintain the changewill drive up labour costs, triggering layoffs and higher costs for consumers. Premier Rachel Notley contends the shift will create jobs and help low-income Albertans make a living wage.

Almost six in 10 Albertans approve of the minimum wage increase, while 38 per cent disapprove and four per cent are unsure.

Yet, 52 per cent of respondents believe the changes will lead to a weaker economy, while 17 per cent say it will strengthen the economy and 31 per cent are unsure.