The Business Council of Alberta believes in a strong Alberta that is part of Canada.
We understand the frustration felt by some Albertans, which is fuelling discussion about separation. That frustration is rooted in valid concerns that Alberta is not treated fairly within the country.
We do not believe that separation is the solution. The focus now should be on a new relationship between Alberta and Ottawa built on a foundation of fairness.
There are clear steps the federal government can take to demonstrate this commitment to fairness, including reforming and shortening the major project approval process; reforming equalization; giving provinces greater control on immigration to better meet labour needs; and scrapping investment-chilling policies like Clean Electricity Regulations, tanker bans and emissions caps. These are examples of what would help address longstanding frustrations.
We are cautiously optimistic about the initial direction signalled by Prime Minister Mark Carney and his government on many of these issues; however, words must now be matched with substantive and urgent action to reduce the frustration in Alberta.
We commend Premier Danielle Smith’s work with Prime Minister Carney to advance greater fairness for Alberta. We believe the ongoing relationship-building between the Premier and Prime Minister will deliver real progress, and we encourage Albertans to support it.