On Monday, May 5, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith delivered a video address to discuss the province's plans after the Liberal Party's victory in the federal election. (Government of Alberta)
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced plans to lead a new panel aimed at finding ways for the province to protect itself from what she describes as economic harm from the federal government. The panel, called "Alberta Next," will allow Albertans to voice their concerns and present proposals. These ideas will be put to a vote in a referendum scheduled for 2026, where citizens can decide which proposals to pursue.
A Call for Change
Smith expressed frustration with the federal government’s policies and their impact on Alberta’s economy. "The world looks at us like we've lost our minds," she said. Despite having vast natural resources, Alberta struggles with limited access to international markets. Smith pointed out that the province’s oil and gas exports are mostly sold to the United States, while other nations with less favorable practices benefit from Alberta’s resources. She believes this situation needs to change for the benefit of the province and its people.
Smith’s comments reflect growing dissatisfaction among some Albertans who feel the federal government is not doing enough to support their economic needs. "These attacks on our province by our own federal government have become unbearable," Smith said.
The 2026 Referendum
While the panel will explore a variety of proposals, Smith clarified that the referendum will not include a question on Alberta’s separation from Canada. However, if enough people gather signatures to demand it, the separation issue could also be added to the ballot. Smith made it clear that she does not support Alberta leaving Canada, but she acknowledges the frustration many Albertans feel.
She emphasized that any referendum should respect Indigenous rights and the treaties that have been signed. A bill currently before the legislature aims to make it easier for citizens to gather the necessary signatures for a referendum.
A Stronger Alberta?
Smith also outlined several demands she wants the federal government to meet. These include providing Alberta with the same equalization payments as other provinces like Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. She also called for more support in building pipelines to export Alberta’s oil and gas to the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic coasts without obstruction. Smith wants Alberta’s economy to have the same opportunities as other provinces in accessing international markets.
In addition, Smith is asking for consultations before any new tariffs are imposed that would impact Alberta’s economy. She also wants the federal government to repeal certain environmental regulations, including those that affect oil tankers in British Columbia and greenhouse gas emissions.
Critics Weigh In
Smith’s comments and her proposed changes have sparked criticism. Some believe she is fueling separatist sentiments, which could harm Alberta’s reputation and economy. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi called the premier's stance dangerous. He said that by supporting separation, Smith could scare away investors and hurt Alberta's future. Nenshi believes that while the province’s grievances are valid, separation is not the solution.
Political experts also weighed in, with some arguing that Smith is using the threat of separation to get concessions from the federal government. Others believe she may be genuinely seeking change for the province, but many of her proposals, such as adjusting the equalization formula, may be difficult to achieve without broad support from other provinces.
Looking Ahead
The new panel will join previous efforts to address Alberta’s concerns about its relationship with the federal government. In 2019, Premier Jason Kenney launched the Fair Deal Panel to explore similar issues, such as creating a provincial police force and withdrawing from the Canada Pension Plan. The results of those efforts have not been fully realized, leading some to question whether this new panel will bring real change.
