Smith fields tough questions at first-ever Alberta Next town hall
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith did not shy away from tough questions about Alberta’s future in the first-ever Alberta Next Panel town hall in Red Deer.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith did not shy away from tough questions about Alberta’s future in the first-ever Alberta Next Panel town hall in Red Deer.
On Tuesday, Smith partook in a frank discussion with Albertans discussing big-ticket issues that could end up as referendum questions in 2026.
The panel was chaired by Smith. Alongside her were 15 retired judges, elected officials, economists, and policy experts who spoke intermittently between questions and concerns raised by audience members.
The night’s event was split into six separate topic areas: taxation, constitution, equalization, immigration, the Alberta Provincial Police, and the Alberta Pension Plan. Each subject began with a video that had previously been posted on YouTube. Afterwards, anyone could line up and ask a question or raise a concern — some of which were answered directly, and others were just noted down by the panel to inform future decisions on which referenda will occur.
Following the videos, anyone could line up and present their arguments. And the crowd didn’t hold back. Arguments ranged from calls for separation to Albertans trying to recruit others to the Communist Party.
The MC leading the panel’s discussion, former MLA Bruce McAllister, conducted a straw poll after most of the subjects to gauge audience support. For example, McAllister asked, “How many of you support an Alberta Pension Plan over CPP?”
Almost every hand was raised. When the opposite question was asked, only a few hands came up. On the topic of provincial control over immigration, McAllister didn’t even bother polling, declaring the audience’s support as self-evident.
One participant, Ron Schulz from Clearwater County, emphasized that a provincial police force won’t be sufficient to address crime unless bail and sentencing policies are also addressed.
“I know at least a half a dozen staff sergeants that have retired from the RCMP force, and they all left for the very same reason: their hands are tied, and that same guy, before they get their paperwork done, the guy is back on the streets. We have to figure out a way to keep them in custody and serve the time that they deserve,” said Schulz.
Smith revealed that Prime Minister Mark Carney requested to join the premiers’ meeting next week, and the catch and release justice system is one of the priorities that provincial leaders will raise.
Others focused on the economic struggles facing the next generation. A woman from Sylvan Lake commented on the struggles her three children face. She said one has three jobs in an effort to try and afford a house.
“They feel hopeless. They’re looking to leave Canada unless something happens here in Alberta,” she said. “I know that they’re not alone. I’ve always loved Canada, and I love Alberta more. And it’s a really weird place to be in the time of my life when I have children that are not able to afford things.”
President of Questerre Energy and panellist, Michael Binnion, explained that every generation had seen a major change in the constitution and that he was optimistic that Albertans and Westerners could work towards improving and increasing self-governance and autonomy.
Throughout the night, the premier took a few shots at Quebec. For example, she explained that Quebec has a 200-year supply of natural gas under its feet that it chooses not to utilize, adding that it subsidizes hydroelectricity instead of charging market rates, both of which could become conditions factored into equalization payments.
Former judge Bruce McDonald took attendees down a history lesson, explaining that Alberta had a provincial police force between 1917 and 1932, before the province went bankrupt and was forced to dismantle it. He explained this could be created once more without a referendum.
Among the speakers was the general counsel for the Alberta Prosperity Project, Jeffrey Rath, who used his time at the microphone to challenge the premier.
“When you say there’s no legal mechanism to stop sending taxes to Ottawa and collecting 100 per cent of the taxes in Alberta, with the greatest respect, you’re incorrect. The legal mechanism is section one, subsection three of the Clarity Act. And that’s voting Alberta the hell out of Canada on a clear question,” said Rath.
After hearing concerns, questions, and critiques raised by countless Albertans, Smith summarized what had been discussed throughout the night and what would be taken away.
The next panel will occur on Wednesday night in Edmonton. Three panels will take place in August, with five more to follow in September.
What a relief to read a matter of fact summary of the evening. Global news and CTV have chosen to focus more on the protestors outside, the naysayers, and a few non-representative comments. One commentator even said that the people attending were “plants” of the UCP, and insinuated that others were excluded. Absolutely shameful! I hope they all go broke! Oh wait, they are, but we are all propping them up!!!
Sure glad that Rath spoke up. But it's premature for the Premier to go charging down that path. A majority of people has to be behind the decision for separation. But then Danielle also has to have all the ducks lined up before moving forward. I'm thinking she's more advanced than what we know.