Connect with us
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=12]

Alberta

Defending Provincial Priorities

Published

10 months ago

5 minute read

News release from Free Alberta Strategy

The recent debate around zoning across the province is a prime example of federal encroachment.

The federal government offered money to cities to help with housing affordability challenges, but only made the money available if cities promised to change zoning policies.

As you are aware, The Free Alberta Strategy was built on the concept that the federal government needs to keep out of provincial jurisdiction.

For years, Ottawa has been watering down the constitutional delineation of duties between the federal government and the provincial government.

Bill 18 – the Provincial Priorities Act – is anticipated to pass in the Alberta Legislature this week, and represents a huge step in the direction of greater provincial jurisdictional autonomy.

The Provincial Priorities Act has been dubbed the “Keep Out of Our Backyard” law by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Under the Provincial Priorities Act, any agreements between the federal government and any provincial entities – including municipalities – must receive provincial approval to be considered valid.

Agreements between the federal government and provincial entities lacking Alberta’s endorsement will be deemed illegal under this legislation.

When the legislation was announced, Smith was not mincing words:

“It is not unreasonable for Alberta to demand fairness from Ottawa. They have shown time and again that they will put ideology before practicality, which hurts Alberta families and our economy. We are not going to apologize for continuing to stand up for Albertans so we get the best deal possible.

“Since Ottawa refuses to acknowledge the negative impacts of its overreach, even after losing battles at the Federal and Supreme Courts, we are putting in additional measures to protect our provincial jurisdiction to ensure our province receives our fair share of federal tax dollars and that those dollars are spent on the priorities of Albertans.”

Although the federal government has limited direct authority in provincial jurisdiction, it can leverage its substantial financial resources to prompt or pressure provincial governments into specific actions.

The recent debate around zoning across the province is a prime example of federal encroachment.

The federal government offered money to cities to help with housing affordability challenges, but only made the money available if cities promised to change zoning policies.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek tried to claim that the federal housing funds were not contingent on the city’s rezoning efforts, but federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser posted a pretty strong response on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):

“If Calgary, or any other city, does not meet the conditions they have agreed to, we will withhold funding under the agreement.”

The federal government played the same trick in many other provinces, too.

But, notably, in Quebec, the federal government just gave the Quebec government the cash and let them distribute it to their municipalities without conditions.

It’s tempting to think this is just more federal bias towards Quebec.

But, actually, this is a great example of how pushing back can have results.

You see, the Provincial Priorities Act in Alberta is modeled after existing legislation in Quebec, known as “An Act Respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif,” which prohibits any municipal body from negotiating or entering into agreements with the federal government or its agencies without explicit authorization from the Quebec government.

If Ottawa wants to meddle in Quebec’s jurisdiction, it must first seek Quebec’s approval.

And it works – the federal government got back in line.

Now, with the Provincial Priorities Act, if Ottawa wants to meddle in Alberta’s jurisdiction, it must first seek Alberta’s approval.

It’s time for Ottawa to recognize Alberta’s autonomy and respect our right to determine our own future.

At the Free Alberta Strategy, we understand that constant vigilance is necessary – every time we establish a boundary, the federal government tries to circumvent it.

We will continue to inform you about what’s happening in Alberta and fight to keep Ottawa out.

But we need your support.

With your help, we can continue our work to defend Alberta’s sovereignty and serve the best interests of all Albertans.

Enough is enough – we will not stand by while our interests are disregarded.

If you are in a financial position to contribute to our work, please donate!

Related Topics:

Todayville is a digital media and technology company. We profile unique stories and events in our community. Register and promote your community event for free.

Follow Author

More from this author
Energy / 3 hours ago

Next federal government should close widening gap between Canadian and U.S. energy policy

Carbon Tax / 6 hours ago

Prime Minister Mark Carney reduces carbon tax to zero

espionage / 7 hours ago

Bill introduced to ban student visas to Chinese nationals

Alberta

Premier Danielle Smith calls for federal election

Published on March 14, 2025

By

Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement on the swearing in of Canada’s 24th Prime Minister and his new federal cabinet.

“Now that Prime Minister Mark Carney has been officially sworn in, his first item of business should be to call a general election.

“I am extremely concerned that this cabinet includes most of same ministers responsible for the most damaging government policies levelled by Ottawa against Alberta in our over 100-year history. We are gravely concerned that plans to significantly increase the industrial carbon tax will be just as damaging to Alberta’s economy as the consumer carbon tax has been.

“The Prime Minister also has not yet condemned harmful policies such as:

  • The proposed emissions cap which continues to threaten our energy sector.
  • Bill C-69 which still hampers critical infrastructure projects.
  • Failed bail policies which continue to put our communities at risk, undermining the safety and security that Albertans deserve.
  • Gun bans that target law-abiding hunters and sport shooters.
  • Open border policies which are allowing over two million people per year to enter Canada.
  • The plastics ban which puts billions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs at risk.
  • Bill C-59 which bans businesses from communicating about their environmental goals.
  • The electric vehicle mandate which calls for 100 percent of new vehicles sold to be electric by 2035.
  • The Sustainable Jobs Act, which aims to transition energy workers to a net zero economy as they work to shut down the energy sector.

“Our province has always been a leader in innovation, economic growth, and responsible resource development. We will continue to stand up for our industries, push back against policies that unfairly target Alberta, and fight for a fair deal within Confederation.

“The Prime Minister must put Canada first and call an election immediately to ensure that whoever is leading this country has a four year mandate from all Canadians, especially in light of the ongoing tariff conflict with the U.S.”

Continue Reading

Alberta

Highway twinning from Sylvan Lake to Rocky Mountain House among dozens of infrastructure projects beginning in Alberta

Published on March 14, 2025

By

Alberta’s government is investing in roads, bridges, and water infrastructure to strengthen the economy and meet the needs of the province’s growing population.

As Alberta’s population continues to grow so does the need for safe, reliable and effective infrastructure to support communities across the province, attract investment and boost economic development. Maintaining and expanding the provincial road and bridge network is vital for growing communities and expanding market access for local industry.

If passed, Budget 2025 would invest more than $8.5 billion for the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors’ three-year Capital Plan, a $333.7-million increase compared with Budget 2024. This total includes more than $4 billion over three years for transportation infrastructure projects to benefit rural communities across the province, as well as $2.1 billion over three years for projects in the Calgary region, and $2 billion for projects in the Edmonton region.

“We are investing in the transportation and water infrastructure our communities need to address rapid growth, promote economic development and support a high quality of life. These investments help ensure our province remains the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

The total capital investment in this year’s budget includes $2.6 billion for planning, design and construction of major highway and bridge projects. This work will create thousands of jobs across Alberta, improve traffic flow, and support the development of major trade corridors through projects such as twinning Highway 3 and Highway 11, and major improvements to Deerfoot Trail and Highway 881. Capital investment funding also includes more than $186 million over three years for more than 50 engineering projects to address future infrastructure needs as the province continues to grow.

“These investments in Calgary’s roads and bridges are critical to supporting our growing city. Improved infrastructure means safer commutes, better connections for businesses and a stronger foundation for future growth.”

Myles McDougall, MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek

If passed, Budget 2025 would also include a $1.7-billion investment over three years for capital maintenance and renewal, which extends the life of the province’s existing road and bridge network, keeping the highway network safe and helping industry create and maintain well-paying jobs.

“Building and fixing roads and bridges improves the productivity of Alberta’s economy. Budget 2025 continues investing in critical infrastructure using local materials and labour. The ARHCA applauds Alberta’s leadership and commitment to all modes of trade-enabling transportation.”

Ron Glen, CEO, Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association

In addition to improving and maintaining the provincial highway network, Alberta’s government has allocated $3.9 billion for capital grants to municipalities over the next three years. This includes funding for LRT projects in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as $5 million in new funding to support planning work for a new transit solution connecting the Calgary airport terminal with the future Blue Line LRT extension station.

“Investing in infrastructure is critical to establishing a solid foundation for economic growth, sustainability and thriving communities. As our population continues to grow, we must make smart investments in roads, bridges, water and transportation infrastructure to ensure our communities and businesses remain vibrant, connected and ready for the future.”

Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce

If passed, targeted investments in Budget 2025 would also support the growth and prosperity of rural communities by providing $126.8 million over three years to municipalities through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program. This program helps smaller municipalities improve critical local transportation infrastructure.

Additionally, ongoing capital grants totalling $519.7 million over three years in water and wastewater infrastructure will ensure Albertans in every community have reliable access to clean drinking water and effective wastewater services.

Finally, Budget 2025 would provide $240.1 million to build and repair water management infrastructure, including dams, spillways, canals and control structures. This investment provides irrigation for the agriculture sector and flood mitigation for Alberta communities.

Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

Quick Facts

Regional Highlights

North region

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $1.25 billion over three years in road and bridge construction projects to benefit the North region, including:
    • $101 million for Highway 63 twinning, north of Fort McMurray
    • $141 million for Highway 881 safety and road improvements
    • $87 million for construction of the La Crete bridge
    • $69 million for Highway 40 grade widening between Hinton and Grande Cache
    • $7 million for the La Loche Connector road – extending Highway 956 from La Loche, Saskatchewan to Fort McMurray
    • $4 million for twinning Highway 40 south of Grande Prairie
    • $127.5 million for Highway 60 Capital Improvements

Central region

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $1.4 billion over three years in road and bridge construction projects to benefit the Central region, including:
    • $208 million for Highway 11 twinning between Sylvan Lake and Rocky Mountain House
    • $98 million for the Vinca Bridge replacement on Highway 38 (near Redwater) as part of work to enhance the high-load corridor

South region

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $363 million over three years in road and bridge construction projects to benefit the South region, including:
    • $106 million for Highway 3 twinning (between Taber and east of Burdett)
    • $92 million for the Highway 2 Balzac Interchange Replacement
    • $24 million for the Highway 1A upgrade (Stoney First Nation)
    • $9 million for the QEII Highway and 40th Avenue interchange ramp (near Airdrie)

Calgary

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $2.1 billion over three years in road and bridge construction projects, and municipal grants to benefit the Calgary region, including:
    • $173.1 million for the Calgary Rivers District and Event Centre
    • $484.8 million for Deerfoot Trail upgrades
    • $62.4 million for the Springbank Off-stream Reservoir (SR1) project
    • $11.9 million for the Bow River Reservoir (Ghost Reservoir Infrastructure Project)
    • $100 million for the Calgary Ring Road (West Stoney Trail)
    • $8 million for the completion of the Highway 201 Bow River Bridge on the southeast Stoney Trail
    • $26.5 million for the completion of the Stoney Trail and Airport Trail interchange

Edmonton

  • Budget 2025, if passed, invests $2 billion over three years in road and bridge construction projects to benefit the Edmonton region, including:
    • $31.9 million for the Ray Gibbon Drive expansion
    • $31 million for the Terwillegar Drive widening from Rabbit Hill Road to Windermere Boulevard
    • $52.7 million for the Terwillegar Drive Expansion improvements to the interchange at SW Anthony Henday Drive.
    • $20.3 million for Highway 16A and Range Road 20 Safety Improvements
    • $17.2 million for Highway 19 twinning
    • $40.2 million for the Highway 2 and 65 Avenue Interchange in Leduc
Continue Reading

Trending

X