I’m running to ensure our children and grandchildren have the same kind of opportunities and freedoms that Kim and I have been blessed with.
We must strengthen Alberta’s place in Canada and win meaningful reforms. Threats and sternly worded letters aren’t enough, and radical actions that create chaos will only set us back.
I have a real plan that uses our economic and fiscal strength to our advantage. A plan that is strategic. A plan that will get us results.
Here’s my plan to strengthen Alberta:
1. Reform Equalization and Fiscal Stabilization.
- The Fiscal Stabilization program supports provinces experiencing a sudden drop in revenue. These stabilization payments are capped at a low level. As Finance Minister, I led negotiations to raise the cap by $500 million for Albertans. I will continue working to increase this cap.
- The equalization formula expires in 2024 and I’ll fight to ensure it is renegotiated for fairness, rather than simply being renewed like it was in 2014 and 2019.
2. Lay the groundwork and build support among Albertans to opt-in to an Alberta Pension Plan.
- I’ve always believed that an Alberta Pension Plan holds great promise for Albertans. As Finance Minister, this file was on my desk and I’m convinced an Alberta Pension Plan is an incredible opportunity for the province. If we’re going to win on this critical opportunity, it must be handled strategically in methodology, approach, and timing. We can’t afford to lose, and if this is not done right, we could lose this transformative opportunity for future generations.
- I will make the case with Albertans for a provincial pension plan. I’m confident we will see this is a transformative opportunity for us to gain autonomy, lower premiums, increase pension benefits, boost our financial sector, and have a more reliable pension long-term.
3. Shift tax power from the federal government to provincial governments.
- I’ll work with other Premiers to shift the tax power from the federal government to provincial governments. This allows provinces to have the tax capacity to deliver services like childcare, pharma care, and dental care. It would provide Albertans with more autonomy, and make it easier for us to deliver high quality services to all Albertans while balancing the budget.
4. Defend and advance Alberta’s key economic sectors like energy, forestry and agriculture.
- Energy, forestry and agriculture are the lifeblood of many Alberta communities. My wife Kim and I know this well from our ranching operation and oilfield service company.
-
To back Alberta’s energy, forestry and agricultural sectors against Ottawa’s targeted attacks, as Premier I would:
- Pass enabling legislation so that when Ottawa attacks Alberta’s economy we have a potential suite of targeted levies on goods and contracts we can begin to apply and escalate as needed.
- Use my experience as an international trade negotiator to lead on the energy file by engaging American and foreign leaders directly.
- Continue supporting the ongoing legal challenge against C-69 the “No more pipelines act”.
- Work with Saskatchewan and Manitoba to expand the Port of Churchill to get our energy and agriculture products to world markets.
- Ensure Ottawa’s climate policies treat all heavy emitters equally instead of targeting Albertans. We can be environmental leaders without impoverishing our future.
- Enhance the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation so that more Indigenous communities can be full partners in responsible prosperity.
5. Explore an Alberta Provincial Police Service with rural Albertans and municipal leaders.
- Kim and I have experienced multiple thefts in our businesses over the years. I know rural crime is a large problem. I am committed to increasing safety for all Albertans by improving policing services.
- I have deep respect for the RCMP and the work they do to provide safety to Albertans. I also believe there is merit in exploring a provincial police service. This could reduce bureaucracy and lead to an improved culture in the policing service.
- This is not a policy I would implement on day one. Before moving forward, I would ensure rural Albertans and municipal leaders ultimately support the decision.
