Premier Danielle Smith asks ministers to take ‘united front’ when dealing with feds

Premier Danielle Smith is asking Alberta ministers to “present a united front in all negotiations with the federal government.”

In a memo dated Oct. 27 with the subject line “Federal Engagement,” Smith said one of her priorities as premier is to “ensure Alberta’s freedoms and interests are protected from federal intrusions.”

She said Alberta may “seek to opt out” of federally funded programs if they don’t serve Albertans, put an unfair burden on the province or “undermine the constitutional responsibility of provinces in key areas such as resources development, health and social programs.”

Smith also said that Alberta is treated subordinately by Ottawa, “with unilateral federal decisions that land lock our resources, undermine our prosperity, and make life less affordable for Albertans.”

She said the UCP government will be discussing a “push back strategy” on major policy issues, like the federal emissions cap and the federal gun buyback program.

“The Alberta Sovereignty Act is a critical part of that strategy,” Smith said.

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But in the meantime, she asked Alberta ministers to be united in their dealings with the federal government.

The premier said when dealing with the federal government, ministries should consider:
– Respecting the constitutional division of powers
– Equal orders of government (Alberta treated as equal and not as a stakeholder)
– Accountability to citizens
– Respecting jurisdictional diversity

In the letter, Smith added that Alberta will ask the federal government to provide “early open and transparent engagement with Alberta” on proposed policies, like national dental care.

Smith said the office of intergovernmental relations will coordinate ministries’ activities with the federal government.