How will Alberta’s new Premier deal with Ottawa? These are the approaches of four leading candidates

No matter who wins the UCP Leadership race, you can count on a turbulent relationship with Ottawa. Albertans have long had issues with how the Liberal government stifles the critical Oil and Gas industry. Now Alberta’s farmers are finding out what that feels like, as the federal government is introducing measures to reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer they use.

To add to the level of animosity between the two governments, a growing number of Alberta UCP supporters are voicing dissatisfaction over Covid restrictions and mandates. This group is active politically, and seems to be rallying behind frontrunner Daniel Smith and likeminded Todd Loewen. The idea is to avoid future restrictions and mandates provincially, and stand up against any federal measures.

It’s no coincidence then, that the leading candidates in the UCP race all have strong platform initiatives to stand up to Ottawa. Here’s what they look like, beginning with Danielle Smith’s “Alberta Sovereignty Act.

Danielle Smith – Alberta Sovereignty Act

It is clear that my proposed Alberta Sovereignty Act has thus far been the central issue of the UCP leadership campaign. Tens of thousands of Albertans have embraced the idea of actually standing up to Ottawa’s attacks against us, rather than usual ineffective letter writing campaigns and complaining.

It’s been both exciting and heartwarming to see hope restored to so many in our Province, and I want them to know how much their faith and confidence in this initiative strengthen my personal resolve to see it through.

Unsurprisingly, many in the media and establishment do not support the Alberta Sovereignty Act and have turned to the tried and tested methods of fearmongering and disinformation to discredit the idea. Unfortunately, some of my fellow UCP candidates may have fallen into their trap.

My hope in releasing this FAQ sheet on the Alberta Sovereignty Act, is that more Albertans and MLAs will take a thoughtful look at this policy, and join the growing majority of Albertans who want to see us stand up to Ottawa, restore our constitutional rights, and take control of our future in this manner.

I am sincerely looking forward to implementing this critically important piece of legislation together.

– Danielle Smith

What is the Alberta Sovereignty Act?

A proposed provincial law that would affirm the authority of the Provincial Legislature to refuse enforcement of any Federal law or policy that violates the jurisdictional rights of Alberta under Sections 92 – 95 of the Constitution or that breaches the Charter Rights of Albertans.

How will it be used?

When the Federal Government institutes a law or policy that appears to violate the constitution or Charter, the Government of Alberta may introduce a Special Motion for a free vote of all MLAs in the Legislature. The Special Motion would include the following:

1. Identification of the Federal law or policy that it deems to be in violation of the Constitution

2. An Outline of the specific harms that violation of the Constitution imposes on the citizens of Alberta

3. Description of the specific actions the Province will take to refuse the enforcement of that Federal law or policy in Alberta

4. A Declaration that by authority of the Alberta Sovereignty Act and notwithstanding the specific Federal law or policy in question, it shall not be enforced by the Provincial Government within Alberta in the manner outlined by the Special Motion

5. Imposition a specific time frame (no more than 24 months) by which the Special Motion will be reviewed in the Legislature

Will a Premier or Governing Party be able to refuse enforcement of any Federal Law or Policy they don’t like?

No, the Alberta Sovereignty Act may not be used unless specifically authorized by way of a free vote of all elected MLAs in the Alberta Legislature, as explained above.

What examples of Federal Laws will the Alberta Sovereignty Act be applied to?

Examples could include:

– Federal mandatory vaccination policies – Charter violation

– Use of Emergencies Act to jail & freeze accounts of peaceful protesters – Charter violation

– Bill C-69 ‘No New Pipelines’ Law – found unconstitutional by Alberta Court of Appeal

– Mandatory cuts to fertilizer use by Alberta Farmers – violation of s.95

– Mandatory emissions and production cuts to Alberta energy projects – violation of s.92A

– Federal gun grabs – violation of s.92(13)

Is the Alberta Sovereignty Act about Separation from Canada?

No, the entire objective of the Alberta Sovereignty Act is to assert Alberta’s Constitutional Rights within Canada to the furthest extent possible by effectively governing itself as a Nation within a Nation, just as Quebec has done for decades and as Saskatchewan is also now considering.

If anything, the restoration of provincial rights and autonomy of every province from the destructive overreach of Ottawa is likely the only viable way for Canada to survive and flourish into the future. Ottawa’s “divide, control and conquer’ policies have Canada on a path of division and disunity. Alberta can and must lead on this issue going forward.

Is the Alberta Sovereignty Act illegal or does it run contrary to the rule of law?

No, just the opposite.

Over the last several years the Federal Government has triggered a constitutional crisis through repeated lawless attacks on provincial constitutional rights and the Charter.

The Trudeau Government has effectively imposed economic sanctions against Alberta (and parts of Saskatchewan and BC) that have resulted in economic chaos.

Hundreds of billions in investment and tax revenues, and hundreds of thousands of jobs, have been lost to these sanctions as investors around the world find it too risky to do business in Alberta’s energy industry. In fact, no new major development of our world class oil sands has been commenced in almost 20 years as a result.

The idea expressed by some UCP leadership candidates that the Alberta Sovereignty Act would “cause chaos” in the markets is naive in the extreme. The “chaos” is already here and has been caused by both Ottawa’s unlawful policies and an utter lack of provincial leadership on effectively pushing back against those attacks.

The fact is the Alberta Sovereignty Act reimposes constitutional rule of law on a lawless Ottawa by reaffirming the critical import of respecting the powers and jurisdiction of the Provinces under the Canadian Constitution.

Brian Jean – Autonomy For Albertans Act

I started with policies designed to change how Alberta reacts to the federal government and Canada. I want us to stop being defensive and go on the offensive. We have to stop covering up and we have to take the fight to Canada.

The five sets of actions that will protect and enhance Alberta’s Autonomy Within Canada are:

Serve legal notice invoking section 46 of the Constitution and force Trudeau and the Premiers into negotiations.
Stipulate that Alberta government-funded groups will not be able to participate in the WEF.
Use the courts to challenge the tanker ban, the proposed oil production caps, and the fertilizer caps.
Demand the Quebec government stop taking the assets of Alberta energy companies in Quebec and get their attention by acting against SNC Lavalin.
Demand that Alberta be given Canada’s seat on important international energy institutions, just like Quebec gets Canada’s seat at UN cultural institutions.

These actions and this approach is very different than how Alberta has traditionally acted. This is very different from what the other leadership candidates are proposing. First this is about acting, about doing something. The “Alberta Sovereignty Act” proposal is purely defensive and reactive. Instead of saying to Canada “we won’t enforce your rules if you come after us,” I am saying that we need to take the initiative.

The Constitution has not been opened in 30 years.

My proposals are about taking ACTION and going on the offense. Danielle Smith proposes a purely defensive strategy that surrenders on past fights. Travis Toews has no strategy at all in this area — he wants to continue Jason Kenney’s practice of writing stern and meaningless letters whenever we get stepped on.

When we open the Constitution, we can deal with the issues of: pipelines and right-of-ways, access to tidewater, stopping provinces and the federal government from landlocking provinces, and democratic under-representation. Taking the fight to the rest of Canada is the way to actually get results and reverse the damage.

Passing an unconstitutional “Sovereignty Act” that only kicks in the next time we are punched doesn’t change anything. It will likely encourage Trudeau to hit Alberta harder.

Fighting the efforts of the World Economic Forum to change our society is something Alberta should have been doing all along.

As is using the courts intelligently including as a way to get expert testimony into the record in important legal debates.

Fight the tanker ban, the production caps, and the fertilizer caps

Fighting back against the insults of Quebec and the federal government should have always been our policy. Instead under Jason Kenney we too often gave away things hoping that other provinces would return the favour. They did not.

Finally, we should learn from Quebec and have our position in the world recognized by Canada. Alberta is an energy superpower and it should own Canada’s seat at the global table whenever energy issues are discussed.

Travis Toews – Toews’ Strategy to Strengthen Alberta

I’m running to ensure our children and grandchildren have the same kind of opportunities and freedoms that Kim and I have been blessed with.

We must strengthen Alberta’s place in Canada and win meaningful reforms. Threats and sternly worded letters aren’t enough, and radical actions that create chaos will only set us back.

I have a real plan that uses our economic and fiscal strength to our advantage. A plan that is strategic. A plan that will get us results.

Here’s my plan to strengthen Alberta:

1. REFORM EQUALIZATION AND FISCAL STABILIZATION.

The Fiscal Stabilization program supports provinces experiencing a sudden drop in revenue. These stabilization payments are capped at a low level. As Finance Minister, I led negotiations to raise the cap by $500 million for Albertans. I will continue working to increase this cap.
The equalization formula expires in 2024 and I’ll fight to ensure it is renegotiated for fairness, rather than simply being renewed like it was in 2014 and 2019.

2. LAY THE GROUNDWORK AND BUILD SUPPORT AMONG ALBERTANS TO OPT-IN TO AN ALBERTA PENSION PLAN.

I’ve always believed that an Alberta Pension Plan holds great promise for Albertans. As Finance Minister, this file was on my desk and I’m convinced an Alberta Pension Plan is an incredible opportunity for the province. If we’re going to win on this critical opportunity, it must be handled strategically in methodology, approach, and timing. We can’t afford to lose, and if this is not done right, we could lose this transformative opportunity for future generations.
I will make the case with Albertans for a provincial pension plan. I’m confident we will see this is a transformative opportunity for us to gain autonomy, lower premiums, increase pension benefits, boost our financial sector, and have a more reliable pension long-term.

3. SHIFT TAX POWER FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS.

I’ll work with other Premiers to shift the tax power from the federal government to provincial governments. This allows provinces to have the tax capacity to deliver services like childcare, pharma care, and dental care. It would provide Albertans with more autonomy, and make it easier for us to deliver high quality services to all Albertans while balancing the budget.

4. DEFEND AND ADVANCE ALBERTA’S KEY ECONOMIC SECTORS LIKE ENERGY AND AGRICULTURE.

Energy and agriculture are the lifeblood of many Alberta communities. My wife Kim and I know this well from our ranching operation and oilfield service company.
To back Alberta’s energy and agricultural sectors against Ottawa’s targeted attacks, as Premier I would:
- Pass enabling legislation so that when Ottawa attacks Alberta’s economy we have a potential suite of targeted levies on goods and contracts we can begin to apply and escalate as needed.
- Use my experience as an international trade negotiator to lead on the energy file by engaging American and foreign leaders directly.
- Continue supporting the ongoing legal challenge against C-69 the “No more pipelines act”.
- Work with Saskatchewan and Manitoba to expand the Port of Churchill to get our energy and agriculture products to world markets.
- Ensure Ottawa’s climate policies treat all heavy emitters equally instead of targeting Albertans. We can be environmental leaders without impoverishing our future.
- Enhance the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation so that more Indigenous communities can be full partners in responsible prosperity.

5. EXPLORE AN ALBERTA PROVINCIAL POLICE SERVICE WITH RURAL ALBERTANS AND MUNICIPAL LEADERS.

Kim and I have experienced multiple thefts in our businesses over the years. I know rural crime is a large problem. I am committed to increasing safety for all Albertans by improving policing services.
I have deep respect for the RCMP and the work they do to provide safety to Albertans. I also believe there is merit in exploring a provincial police service. This could reduce bureaucracy and lead to an improved culture in the policing service.
This is not a policy I would implement on day one. Before moving forward, I would ensure rural Albertans and municipal leaders ultimately support the decision.

Rebecca Schulz – 100 DAY PROVINCIAL RIGHTS STRATEGY

A Schulz government would immediately start the 100 Day Provincial Rights Action Plan, with clear steps – and a timeline – to fight, negotiate, partner, and strengthen Alberta’s position with Confederation.

“No more letters, no more panels, and no more empty threats – Albertans want action and results when it comes to defending our rights in confederation and seeing our province reach its full potential.” – Rebecca Schulz

Within the first 10 days, a Schulz government will appoint a Deputy Premier and team with the primary focus to act as Alberta’s lead negotiators in strengthening Alberta’s position in Canada.

This will include:

Presenting the federation with a package of common sense reforms on equalization, fiscal stabilization, and greater provincial control over programs through tax points
Presenting the federation with a list of federal, provincial overlap in regulations/policy and begin negotiations on disentanglement
Pursuing an Alberta Pension Plan, Alberta Employment Insurance and an Alberta Revenue Agency

Within the first 50 days, Schulz and the Deputy Premier would present a Provincial Rights

Framework, to identify every legal and constitutional measure possible to stand up against Ottawa’s continued attacks on provincial jurisdiction.

This will include:

Calling for a Protecting Provincial Rights Summit to bring provinces to the table and identify every measure to stand up for jurisdictional rights against federal interference
Continuing the fight against the Tanker Ban (C-48) and Trudeau’s No-More Pipelines legislation (C-69), alongside all 10 provinces
Taking every proactive legal measure possible against Trudeau’s federal emissions and fertilizer caps.

Within the first 100 days, Schulz and the Deputy Premier would present a new Market Access Plan to create political and economic incentives for federal and provincial governments to negotiate with Alberta in good faith for improved trade and market access.

This will include:

Identifying strategic actions to deter other provinces or levels of government from limiting Alberta’s market access and trade
Developing criteria for when Alberta will Turn off the Taps through the Preserving Canada’s Economic Prosperity Act.

“You don’t need to spend weeks on the campaign trail to understand how frustrated Albertans are of being pushed around. The emissions and fertilizer caps are just two of the most recent examples of governments interfering with our provincial trade and prosperity. It’s about time Albertans were presented with a real plan to take action.” – Rebecca Schulz

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Carney government should end damaging energy policies amid separatist sentiment in Alberta

Published on May 17, 2025

Todayville

From the Fraser Institute

By Tegan Hill

Following last month’s Liberal election victory, and after a decade of damaging federal policies by the Trudeau government, some Albertans are calling for a referendum on separation. While Premier Danielle Smith said she does not support separation she “will honour” the referendum process. And according to a recent poll, more than one-third of Albertans are open to leaving Canada. But whether or not the referendum actually happens, one thing is clear—Albertans have reason to be frustrated with confederation.

In our current system, Ottawa collects taxes from people and businesses across the country then transfers that money to Canadians for federal and national programs including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and employment insurance. Albertans contribute disproportionately to this system thanks to the province’s relatively high rates of employment, higher average incomes and younger population.

For example, from 1981 to 2022 (the latest year of available data), Albertans’ net contribution to the CPP—meaning the amount Albertans paid into the program over and above what retirees in Alberta received in CPP benefit payments—was $53.6 billion. British Columbia was the only other province where workers paid more into the CPP than retirees received in benefits—and Alberta’s contribution was six times greater than B.C.’s contribution.

On equalization—Canada’s transfer program aimed at ensuring each province can provide comparable levels of public services—Alberta has not received payments since 1964/65. In 2022 (the latest year of available data), the federal government spent $21.9 billion on equalization while 13.5 per cent of total federal revenue came from Alberta, which means Alberta taxpayers contributed an estimated $3.0 billion to the equalization program that year—while receiving no payments.

More broadly, Alberta’s total net contribution to federal finances and national programs (that is, total federal taxes and payments paid by Albertans minus federal money spent or transferred to Albertans) was $244.6 billion from 2007 to 2022—more than five times more than the net contribution from British Columbians or Ontarians (the only other two net contributors) despite Alberta’s smaller population.

So that’s the reality—Alberta massively overcontributes to federal and national programs. But that’s not necessarily a problem, in and of itself. The problem is that despite Alberta’s outsized importance within Canada, Albertans have faced a barrage of federal policies that disproportionately and negatively impact the province including Bill C-69 (which imposes complex, uncertain and onerous review requirements on major energy projects), Bill C-48 (which bans large oil tankers off B.C.’s northern coast and limits access to Asian markets), an arbitrary cap on oil and gas emissions, numerous “net-zero” targets, and so on.

On the campaign trail, Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to keep the emissions cap and Bill C-69 (which opponents call the “no more pipelines act”). Yet in a recent interview with CTV, Carney said he will “change things at the federal level that need to be changed in order for projects to move forward” adding that he may eventually remove both the emissions cap and Bill C-69.

That would be welcomed news in Alberta, which continues to punch above its economic weight despite federal policies that prevent the province from reaching its full economic potential. And any policies that restrict Alberta ultimately limit prosperity in Canada.

Albertans may soon face a referendum on separation. The rest of Canada should understand why so many Albertans are frustrated with the status quo. Federal policies specifically target their province’s energy industry despite their disproportionate contribution to the federation. It’s time to undo these federal policies, for the benefit of all Canadians.

Tegan Hill

Director, Alberta Policy, Fraser Institute

Alberta

Alberta Cabinet shuffle reflects new ministries. Adriana LaGrange in charge of “health care refocusing”

Published on May 16, 2025

Government of Alberta

Premier Danielle Smith has made changes to cabinet to address key priorities of Albertans.

Following the conclusion of the spring sitting of the legislature, and the resignation of the Honourable Ric McIver from his cabinet position to serve as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Premier Smith has made changes to her cabinet and caucus leadership.

The new cabinet comprises both seasoned and newly appointed ministers, reflecting Alberta’s diverse population. Together, they are committed to serving all Albertans and striving to unlock the province’s full potential. Those members taking on new roles include:

Minister of Advanced Education, Myles McDougall
Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Matt Jones
Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rajan Sawhney
Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration, Joseph Schow
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Rick Wilson
Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams
Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, Adriana LaGrange
Minister of Tourism and Sport, Andrew Boitchenko
Associate Minister of Multiculturalism, Mohammed Yaseen
Associate Minister of Water, Grant Hunter

Additionally, Grant Hunter will be serving as the Chief Government Whip.

The Honourable Demetrios Nicolaides will be adding childcare to his portfolio and become the Minister of Education and Childcare. The Honourable Jason Nixon will also see his title changed to the Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services to reflect his oversight of Assisted Living Alberta.

“I’m eager to collaborate with this dedicated team to fulfill the commitments we made to Albertans during the last election. Our government has already addressed many key priorities of Albertans, but we know there is more work to do, and I’m excited to continue working alongside each of my cabinet colleagues as we move forward an ambitious agenda for Albertans.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

This new cabinet also serves as the critical next step in the journey to refocus Alberta’s health care system. Each of the four health care agencies – Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta, and Recovery Alberta – are now established, and will now each have a corresponding minister responsible. Minister LaGrange will continue to oversee the health care re-focusing efforts.

“I’m pleased to continue the important work of re-focusing our health care system with the support of my colleagues. Moving forward, we will work together to ensure that patients in our health care system have an integrated seamless experience and get the care they need when and where they need it.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

Cabinet members will be tasked with working collaboratively to complete the important work that Albertans voted for, including continuing to grow the economy, keep life affordable, reform the health care system, fight crime, and defend Alberta from punitive federal government policies.