Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta Next panel, tasked with exploring ways to increase provincial autonomy, has put forward seven key recommendations, including proposals for public referendums on major policy issues. The report was released Friday, following town hall consultations held in ten Alberta communities over the summer and fall.
Chaired by Premier Danielle Smith, the 15-member panel focused on topics such as self-governance, a provincial pension plan, taxation, equalization payments, federal transfers, provincial policing, immigration, and constitutional reform.
“Albertans were clear that for too long, decisions made outside this province have limited Alberta’s ability to grow our economy and chart our own course,” Smith said in an accompanying statement.
Proposed Referendums
Among the recommendations, the panel suggests holding referendums on:
- Establishing an Alberta Pension Plan and withdrawing from the Canada Pension Plan, contingent on providing detailed proposals outlining benefits and risks.
- Gaining greater control over immigration, including increasing the intake of economic migrants and limiting social service eligibility to citizens, permanent residents, and those with immigration permits.
- Pursuing constitutional amendments, such as opting out of federal programs without losing funding, appointing provincial judges to the King’s Bench and Court of Appeal, and abolishing the federal Senate.
The report also urges Alberta to take a leadership role in negotiations with Ottawa and other provinces to reform the equalization system. Additionally, the panel recommends continuing efforts to establish an Alberta Police Service, transitioning policing responsibilities from the RCMP and municipal forces to the new provincial service.
Premier Smith noted the government would review the recommendations before issuing an official response in the coming months.
The proposals were met with criticism from the opposition. NDP leader Naheed Nenshi described the initiative as a “fake consultation” and expressed concerns over the costs associated with the referendums. “Albertans want the government to stop fighting and start focusing on cost of living, jobs, healthcare, and education,” Nenshi said.
The Alberta Next panel report signals a push toward increased provincial authority, though the path to implementation of the recommendations—including public referendums—remains uncertain.
