Alberta
Alberta commitment to border security should satisfy US concerns
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis and Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mickey Amery released the following statement on Alberta’s swift and unequivocal action to secure the shared Alberta – U.S. border:
“On Nov. 25, President Trump publicly warned that he would impose tariffs on Canada unless we take action on critical border issues, such as cracking down on drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal border crossings.
“Yesterday, I met with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the RCMP and the Alberta Sheriffs at the Coutts border point of entry. In our meeting, we agreed on the importance of continued collaboration to ensure our border is secure.
“Our government has been clear from the beginning that we must take President Trump’s statements on border security seriously and take action immediately.
“That is why I joined a Fox News crew at the Coutts border to showcase the important work Alberta has been doing to secure the Alberta – U.S. border. This critical work includes the establishment of a new Interdiction Patrol Team (IPT) within the Alberta Sheriffs to combat drug smuggling, gun trafficking and other illegal activities along Alberta’s 298-kilometre international boundary. The IPT will be supported by:
- 51 uniformed officers equipped with carbine rifles (weapons for tactical operations).
- 10 support staff, including dispatchers and analysts.
- 4 drug patrol dogs.
- 10 cold weather surveillance drones capable of operating in high winds, with dedicated pilots.
- 4 narcotics analyzers to test for illicit drugs.
“I want to thank the federal government for accepting Alberta’s request to send a Black Hawk helicopter to the border yesterday, further demonstrating the actions we are taking to secure our border.
“We are also calling on the federal government to immediately appoint a Canadian border czar to work with the new American border czar to jointly crack down on fentanyl and illegal migrants.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
“The incoming US administration has valid concerns related to illegal activities at our shared border.
“Our government is committed to enhancing border security with Montana and the U.S. by collaborating with federal authorities to tackle cross-border crime, drugs, illegal migrants and human trafficking.
“As part of these efforts, Alberta has designated a two-kilometre-deep border zone north of the entire Alberta – US border as essential infrastructure to help protect public safety and Alberta’s economic prosperity.
“We will not stand for illegal activities that put lives and livelihoods at risk on both sides of the border.”
Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Alberta Update brings you the latest news on what’s happening in your province. We will hear from Premier Danielle Smith, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis and Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon on this week’s top news: trade and tariffs, securing our borders and efforts to rebuild Jasper.
Alberta’s government is taking action to grow the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund to at least $250 billion by 2050.
In 1976, former premier Peter Lougheed had the foresight to create what is today commonly called the Alberta Heritage Fund. The initial purpose of this fund was to invest a portion of Alberta’s non-renewable resource royalties each year so the investment interest earned in the fund would reduce the province’s reliance on resource revenues.
For decades, contributions to the Heritage Fund were limited and investment earnings were spent instead of being reinvested. Now, Alberta is adopting a bold, new plan to grow the Heritage Fund and achieve long-term growth and financial stability for the province. When the fund reaches its goal of $250 billion, the province can use a portion of the annual interest accrued to offset any decreases in resource royalties, invest in key provincial infrastructure and grow and protect the Alberta tax advantage.
The roadmap details how the “Alberta Model” will use three components to grow the fund to $250 billion and eventually fund public services and vital infrastructure:
- Strategic investments: There is a strong focus on opportunities that maximize growth while supporting areas that matter to Albertans, such as technology, energy and infrastructure.
- Global partnerships: The model benefits from working closely with like-minded organizations and investors around the world, to access premier opportunities and bring new ideas and expertise back to the province.
- Strong governance: The model is structured to ensure transparent and responsible investment management, so that every decision is made with the long-term interests of Albertans in mind.
“Albertans deserve a Heritage Fund they can rely on – one that is focused on creating long-term growth and financial stability. We owe it to future generations of Albertans. The new Heritage Fund will lessen our dependence on natural resource revenues, diversify our economy, and create both wealth and prosperity for generations to come.”
This plan builds on the vision of former premier Peter Lougheed and builds on the recent investments into the fund. As of September 2024, the Heritage Fund is worth $24.3 billion. With a $2-billion commitment from Budget 2024, the fund is projected to increase to more than $26 billion by the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. If all of the Heritage Fund’s investment income had been reinvested since inception instead of being transferred to the general revenue fund, the Heritage Fund would be upwards of $250 billion today, generating about $20 billion annually.
Now is the time to take decisive action. By saving and reinvesting today, Alberta will reduce its reliance on unpredictable non-renewable resource revenue. A renewed Heritage Fund that earns money year over year will secure a resilient and prosperous Alberta for generations to come.
“Our plan to grow the Heritage Fund is about securing Alberta’s financial independence and providing stability for our children and grandchildren and build a lasting legacy for all Albertans.”
Strong governance is needed to provide direction, deliver high returns for Albertans, and ensure future growth amid changing economic conditions. To help achieve this and carry out the overall Heritage Fund plan, Alberta’s government has created the Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation to govern and grow all Heritage Fund assets. The new corporation will strengthen partnerships with global sovereign wealth funds, thereby unlocking access to new opportunities. The new corporation will be assisted in its work by a world-class board of directors that will strengthen the governance of Heritage Fund assets and support investment decisions independent from government.
The Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation will be chaired by Joe Lougheed.
“The Heritage Fund assets belong to Albertans – and future Albertans. The HFOC will have a world-class, independent board of directors providing oversight and guidance in an accountable and transparent fashion. Working closely with the Alberta Investment Management Corporation, the objective will be to deliver long-term growth of the assets of the Heritage Fund for future generations. It is an honour to serve in this governance role.”
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