Alberta Premier tells ministers to present ‘united front’ as she pushes for sovereignty act

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is pushing ahead with her priority sovereignty act, aimed at pushing back at federal policies that are “not in Alberta’s best interest.”

In a letter obtained by CityNews, the premier requested members of her cabinet to present a “united front” in all negotiations with the federal government.

Smith asks her cabinet ministers to thoroughly review every agreement with the feds going forward.

“On major policy issues, our government will be discussing a push back strategy to address issues such as the federal oil and gas emissions cap, fertilizer reductions, and the firearms confiscation program. The Alberta Sovereignty Act is a critical part of that strategy,” said Smith in the letter.

She also outlined the key areas she wants her team to focus on in pursuit of the sovereignty act’s objectives.

Smith instructs her ministers to avoid focusing “on federal priorities at the expense of Alberta’s priorities.” She also asks her ministers to bring up the “disproportionate financial burden that Alberta carries whenever the federal government spends money” in future dealings, among other things.

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The premier appears to generally want to assert Alberta’s independence from perceived federal interference.

“The federal government also avoids meaningful engagement with Alberta. Too often, Ottawa only seek input on the implementation of their unilateral policies (e.g. National Dental Care). We will ask that the federal government provide early, open and transparent engagement with Alberta on its proposed actions,” said Smith.

In a response to the premier’s letter, Kathleen Ganley, New Democratic Party energy critic, called the premier’s proposed sovereignty act a “potential tragedy” and “harmful to Alberta’s future” referencing an earlier comment from former United Conservative Party (UCP) Minister of Energy, Sonya Savage.

“Multiple economists, constitutional experts, and even UCP Cabinet Ministers have all said the so-called Sovereignty Act will create chaos while doing nothing to support families. Today’s letter is no different — it signals a childish approach to federal relations, one that will only result in stalled investment, increased bureaucracy, and economic disaster for our province,” declared Ganley.