Results of Fair Deal Panel to be unveiled
Posted June 17, 2020 9:01 am.
Last Updated June 17, 2020 9:02 am.
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – Premier Jason Kenney is expected to announce the results of the Fair Deal Panel and what his government will do about it.
The panel was created last year as a way for Alberta to become more independent and demand a better deal in the Confederation.
When he first announced the panel last November, Kenney made a fiery speech taking on Ottawa, saying the province has always given more to the federation than it has been given.
“We do not begrudge our fellow Canadians the benefit of the resources, hard work and innovation of Albertans. All we ask is the right to develop those resources and then time and again that right and ability have been thwarted throughout our modern history.”
WATCH: Alberta premier pushes ‘fair deal’ pitch in Ottawa
Some of the suggestions that came through the process included changes to the equalization agreement with the federal government, a provincial police force, and an Alberta pension plan.
The pension plan idea has been criticized by the Opposition NDP saying the government has no right to meddle with the pensions of Albertans.
We've introduced legislation to protect your pension, but we need your help to make sure it's properly reviewed and debated.
Visit https://t.co/xK7yrxAcgv for how you can help us get it passed. #ableg pic.twitter.com/FMxjvwrrFG
— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) June 13, 2020
The panel was announced following the 2019 Federal Election which resulted in growing calls for western separation.
“The wrong approach is to deride, dismiss or ignore the large number of western Canadians who increasingly say they are not at home with their own country,” said Kenney, “Albertans have been working for Ottawa for too long. It’s time for Ottawa to start working for us.”
The Fair Deal Panel held its final session in Airdrie in January. The final results were to be presented on March 31, but were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
