Alberta
Alberta First needs 270,000 Albertans to sign petition, initiate referendum on Pension Plan
New release from Alberta First
The cost of running the CPP has increased a thousandfold since 2000. In 2000, costs were 4 million dollars; currently, they amount to 4.4 billion dollars.
Every Albertan can play a part in ensuring prosperity for generations to come.The Alberta First Pension Plan team strongly believes that the Alberta Pension Plan is a sensible choice. This belief comes after extensive discussions with thousands of Albertans and a deep understanding of the law and the facts. Our responsibility is to ensure that this understanding is shared with every voting Albertan. The Alberta Pension Plan has been a topic of debate, with supporters and opponents expressing their opinions on its potential impact. As a team of dedicated Albertans, the Alberta First Pension Plan team, guided by numerous esteemed professionals across the province, is committed to providing the facts to all Albertans. We support the idea that establishing an Alberta Pension Plan would give Alberta more control and independence over managing the investment funds and the ability to cut the high management fees Canadians pay to the CPP Investment Board. It has the potential to offer greater benefits and lower contributions than the existing Canada Pension Plan. An Alberta Pension Plan would address the unique needs of Albertans and contribute to economic development and financial security. To find reports, videos, and information on the Alberta Pension Plan, you can CLICK HERE. Many who oppose it are worried about the costs and complexities of setting up a separate pension plan for Alberta. They fear higher fees and lower benefits for Albertans than the Canada Pension Plan. Additionally, they are concerned about the economic impact and, most importantly, the Alberta government’s potential interference in fund management. It is essential to consider both perspectives when comparing the Alberta Pension Plan with the Canada Pension Plan. This allows Albertans to make an informed decision. While there are valid concerns, citizens can address these by staying actively involved and acting as watchdogs over the provincial government. Here are the top three concerns regarding moving to an Alberta Pension Plan: “Higher costs to manage an Alberta Penson Plan” Alberta is home to some of the most competent individuals in the financial industry. To ensure cost-effective management, Alberta could consider adopting several models from around the world. The cost of running the CPP has increased a thousandfold since 2000. In 2000, costs were 4 million dollars; currently, they amount to 4.4 billion dollars. “My benefits will be negatively affected.” As per the CPP Act, Section 3 (1), residents of Alberta must receive, at minimum, the same benefit they received under the CPP for a province to withdraw and create their own. “The Alberta Government will mismanage the fund.” The fear of the government mismanaging money is a valid concern. As Albertans, we must ensure that the Alberta Pension Plan is managed independently, with the sole mandate of maximizing profit and mitigating risk to the fund. We must be vocal and involved in the decision-making process to shape the future of our pension system. What do we need to do?Our first step is to initiate a referendum. The Alberta Government will only proceed with the referendum if there is significant support from Albertans.
This will mark an outstanding achievement, demonstrating Albertans’ determination to secure a prosperous future for all generations.
OUR PENSION! OUR CHOICE! |
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From the Fraser Institute
By Tegan Hill
According to the recent mid-year update tabled Thursday, the Smith government projects a $4.6 billion surplus in 2024/25, up from the $2.9 billion surplus projected just a few months ago. Despite the good news, Premier Smith must reduce spending to avoid budget deficits.
The fiscal update projects resource revenue of $20.3 billion in 2024/25. Today’s relatively high—but very volatile—resource revenue (including oil and gas royalties) is helping finance today’s spending and maintain a balanced budget. But it will not last forever.
For perspective, in just the last decade the Alberta government’s annual resource revenue has been as low as $2.8 billion (2015/16) and as high as $25.2 billion (2022/23).
And while the resource revenue rollercoaster is currently in Alberta’s favor, Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledges that “risks are on the rise” as oil prices have dropped considerably and forecasters are projecting downward pressure on prices—all of which impacts resource revenue.
In fact, the government’s own estimates show a $1 change in oil prices results in an estimated $630 million revenue swing. So while the Smith government plans to maintain a surplus in 2024/25, a small change in oil prices could quickly plunge Alberta back into deficit. Premier Smith has warned that her government may fall into a budget deficit this fiscal year.
This should come as no surprise. Alberta’s been on the resource revenue rollercoaster for decades. Successive governments have increased spending during the good times of high resource revenue, but failed to rein in spending when resource revenues fell.
Previous research has shown that, in Alberta, a $1 increase in resource revenue is associated with an estimated 56-cent increase in program spending the following fiscal year (on a per-person, inflation-adjusted basis). However, a decline in resource revenue is not similarly associated with a reduction in program spending. This pattern has led to historically high levels of government spending—and budget deficits—even in more recent years.
Consider this: If this fiscal year the Smith government received an average level of resource revenue (based on levels over the last 10 years), it would receive approximately $13,000 per Albertan. Yet the government plans to spend nearly $15,000 per Albertan this fiscal year (after adjusting for inflation). That’s a huge gap of roughly $2,000—and it means the government is continuing to take big risks with the provincial budget.
Of course, if the government falls back into deficit there are implications for everyday Albertans.
When the government runs a deficit, it accumulates debt, which Albertans must pay to service. In 2024/25, the government’s debt interest payments will cost each Albertan nearly $650. That’s largely because, despite running surpluses over the last few years, Albertans are still paying for debt accumulated during the most recent string of deficits from 2008/09 to 2020/21 (excluding 2014/15), which only ended when the government enjoyed an unexpected windfall in resource revenue in 2021/22.
According to Thursday’s mid-year fiscal update, Alberta’s finances continue to be at risk. To avoid deficits, the Smith government should meaningfully reduce spending so that it’s aligned with more reliable, stable levels of revenue.
Author:
Better, faster, more affordable auto insurance
Alberta’s government is introducing a new auto insurance system that will provide better and faster services to Albertans while reducing auto insurance premiums.
After hearing from more than 16,000 Albertans through an online survey about their priorities for auto insurance policies, Alberta’s government is introducing a new privately delivered, care-focused auto insurance system.
Right now, insurance in the province is not affordable or care focused. Despite high premiums, Albertans injured in collisions do not get the timely medical care and income support they need in a system that is complex to navigate. When fully implemented, Alberta’s new auto insurance system will deliver better and faster care for those involved in collisions, and Albertans will see cost savings up to $400 per year.
“Albertans have been clear they need an auto insurance system that provides better, faster care and is more affordable. When it’s implemented, our new privately delivered, care-centred insurance system will put the focus on Albertans’ recovery, providing more effective support and will deliver lower rates.”
“High auto insurance rates put strain on Albertans. By shifting to a system that offers improved benefits and support, we are providing better and faster care to Albertans, with lower costs.”
Albertans who suffer injuries due to a collision currently wait months for a simple claim to be resolved and can wait years for claims related to more serious and life-changing injuries to addressed. Additionally, the medical and financial benefits they receive often expire before they’re fully recovered.
Under the new system, Albertans who suffer catastrophic injuries will receive treatment and care for the rest of their lives. Those who sustain serious injuries will receive treatment until they are fully recovered. These changes mirror and build upon the Saskatchewan insurance model, where at-fault drivers can be sued for pain and suffering damages if they are convicted of a criminal offence, such as impaired driving or dangerous driving, or conviction of certain offenses under the Traffic Safety Act.
Work on this new auto insurance system will require legislation in the spring of 2025. In order to reconfigure auto insurance policies for 3.4 million Albertans, auto insurance companies need time to create and implement the new system. Alberta’s government expects the new system to be fully implemented by January 2027.
In the interim, starting in January 2025, the good driver rate cap will be adjusted to a 7.5% increase due to high legal costs, increasing vehicle damage repair costs and natural disaster costs. This protects good drivers from significant rate increases while ensuring that auto insurance providers remain financially viable in Alberta.
Albertans have been clear that they still want premiums to be based on risk. Bad drivers will continue to pay higher premiums than good drivers.
By providing significantly enhanced medical, rehabilitation and income support benefits, this system supports Albertans injured in collisions while reducing the impact of litigation costs on the amount that Albertans pay for their insurance.
“Keeping more money in Albertans’ pockets is one of the best ways to address the rising cost of living. This shift to a care-first automobile insurance system will do just that by helping lower premiums for people across the province.”
Quick facts
- Alberta’s government commissioned two auto insurance reports, which showed that legal fees and litigation costs tied to the province’s current system significantly increase premiums.
- A 2023 report by MNP shows
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