In the latest episode of Alberta Update, Premier Danielle Smith and host Bruce McAllister addressed critical issues impacting Alberta.
A key topic discussed was the Election Statutes Amendment Act. The bill proposes eliminating voting machines and tabulators and easing the process for citizens to start petitions for recall and referenda. “We had heard from our consultation that the limitations on citizen action were just a little bit too high… we trust that if there’s an issue that people care about, and they have enough citizens who agree, put it to the people and let the people decide,” Premier Smith said.
The Premier expressed disappointment over the outcome of the federal election. “I think it was no surprise that I thought the Conservatives were better aligned with the objectives of Alberta,” Smith said. “But the rest of the country doesn’t quite see it the way we do.” She highlighted concerns about federal policies affecting Alberta’s energy industry, pointing out that over $170 billion in investment has been lost due to regulations. “That’s what’s left Albertans feeling hurt and betrayed,” she added.
Smith called on the federal government to address Alberta’s grievances, including the repeal of Bill C-69, which complicates the approval of energy projects. “We need a repeal of Bill C-69… we can’t have a process that goes on forever, takes 10 years, and billions of dollars, with no end in sight,” she stated.
Premier Smith also discussed Alberta’s role in the global energy market and the need to expand the province’s energy exports, particularly to Asia. During a recent trip to Asia, she highlighted the advantages Alberta holds, including direct flights from Calgary to key cities like Tokyo and Seoul. She also pointed to the strategic location of Alberta’s ports in Vancouver and Prince Rupert, which provide easier access to Asian markets.
“If we could just get our act together and get moving on developing these corridors, building more pipelines, we have the ability to sell them to Asia,” Smith said. “You can get to both of those major centers within 8 to 15 days,” she noted, referring to the ease of accessing Asian markets from Alberta.
Premier Smith called for a reset in Alberta’s relationship with the federal government, stressing that the province needs fair treatment to succeed. “We’re meant to be equal partners in Confederation,” Smith stated. “We need a fair deal, and we need policies that support the growth of Alberta’s economy.”