Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma) : Alberta Premier Denielle Smith met with Prime Minister Mark Carney today in what she described as a “very frank discussion” about Alberta’s ongoing grievances with federal policies. The Premier outlined a series of demands she said must be addressed within the first six months of the next federal government’s term to prevent what she called an “unprecedented national unity crisis.”
Among the key demands:
• Guaranteed access to oil and gas corridors in all directions
• Repeal of Bill C-69 (the “no new pipelines act”)
• Lifting of the BC coastal tanker ban
• Elimination of the federal oil and gas emissions cap
• Scrapping the Clean Electricity Regulations
• Ending the single-use plastics ban
• Abandoning the net-zero vehicle mandate
• Returning oversight of the industrial carbon tax to the provinces
• Stopping federal restrictions on energy company communications
The Premier also emphasized that Alberta, as the owner of its natural resources, would not accept federal export taxes or restrictions on oil and gas destined for the U.S. Additionally, she called for an end to what she described as Alberta’s unfair role in subsidizing other large provinces, asserting that they are “fully capable of funding themselves.” Premier Smith also criticized federal park management, blaming Ottawa’s oversight for last year’s wildfires in Jasper National Park and warning that Banff National Park faces similar risks. With a federal election expected to be called soon, the Premier urged Albertans to support parties and candidates who advocate for Alberta’s economic interests and oppose federal overreach.
The meeting signals continued tensions between Alberta and the federal government, particularly over energy and environmental policies. It remains to be seen how Ottawa will respond to these demands, especially with an election on the horizon.
