In the latest episode of “Alberta Update,” Premier Danielle Smith sat down with host Bruce McAllister to discuss a range of critical issues impacting Alberta. The conversation covered energy collaborations with Alaska, housing market dynamics, economic productivity, and even a light-hearted sports bet with Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Premier Smith recently visited Alaska, where she engaged in significant discussions with Governor Mike Dunleavy. The primary focus was on energy collaboration, particularly regarding artificial intelligence and data centers. Both Alberta and Alaska share an abundance of energy resources, positioning them uniquely to attract new businesses and support emerging technologies.
Smith highlighted the potential of a utility corridor that could facilitate the construction of roads, railways, transmission lines, and pipelines, enhancing the ability to export energy products. This initiative could be pivotal for both regions as they seek to capitalize on their energy surplus and boost economic growth.
Alberta’s housing market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with new data from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation revealing nearly 4,000 housing starts between January and April 2024—a record high. Smith attributed this boom to a robust economic recovery following a prolonged period of outmigration from 2014 to 2022.
The provincial government is implementing measures to sustain this growth, including clearing development permit barriers and offering property tax incentives for affordable housing. The aim is to ensure that Alberta remains an attractive destination for new residents, bolstering both single-family and multi-family housing sectors.
Smith also tackled concerns about Canada’s productivity slowdown, linking it to less favorable investment conditions compared to the United States. She criticized the federal government’s plan to phase out accelerated write-offs for capital expenses, which she believes hampers business investment in productivity-enhancing technologies.
To counteract this, Alberta is focusing on promoting a favorable business environment, with initiatives aimed at boosting productivity through technological and machinery investments. The province’s productivity improvement task force is actively seeking ways to enhance workforce efficiency and economic output.
In the realm of energy infrastructure, Smith expressed optimism about projects like Atco’s $2 billion natural gas pipeline, which not only promises job creation but also positions Alberta as a leader in hydrogen innovation. The completion of the Trans Mountain expansion further underscores Alberta’s commitment to enhancing its energy export capabilities.
Smith emphasized that natural gas, acknowledged even at COP28 as a transitional fuel, plays a crucial role in reducing global emissions. By developing natural gas infrastructure, Alberta can integrate hydrogen and biogas, contributing to global emission reduction efforts while supporting local industry growth.
On a lighter note, Smith shared her excitement over a friendly sports bet with Texas Governor Greg Abbott. As the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Dallas Stars, Smith has wagered a steak dinner, showcasing Alberta’s renowned grass-fed beef. The bet adds a playful element to the political discourse, underscoring the camaraderie between leaders while promoting local products.