Alberta
Taxpayers applaud Alberta credit rating improvement
From the Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Moody’s Ratings boosts Alberta’s outlook to positive. Balanced budget and spending restraint cited.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is applauding the provincial government for its latest credit rating outlook improvement.
“The province is getting this positive assessment from credit rating agencies because the government has a balanced budget and is restraining spending,” said Kris Sims, CTF Alberta Director. “Strengthening balanced budget legislation to curb spending was the right move.”
On Monday, Moody’s Ratings changed Alberta’s credit rating outlook to positive, up from stable and affirmed the province’s AA2 credit rating.
Moody’s cited the province’s balanced budget, spending restraint and debt payment rules as reasons for the improvement.
“The positive outlook reflects our view that if Alberta adheres to the governance controls as per its fiscal framework introduced in 2023, its debt and liquidity levels could be stronger than we currently project,” the report from Moody’s reads.
The CTF has been urging the Alberta government to keep spending increases below inflation plus population growth since the mid 1990s.
The Alberta government passed its balanced budget and spending restraint legislation last year.
The positive outlook from Moody’s follows a recent upgrade from the credit ratings agency, Fitch.
Interest charges on the provincial government’s debt will cost taxpayers $3.1 billion this year, according to government’s year-end report.
“Credit ratings matter because Albertans pay billions of dollars on debt interest charges every year,” Sims said. “Better credit ratings could make it less expensive to make payments on the debt, and the less money we waste on interest charges, the better.”
Protecting Alberta’s jurisdiction
The International Agreements Act ensures Alberta’s jurisdiction is protected and decisions that shape our future are made right here at home.
This legislation draws a clear line: international agreements that touch on provincial areas of jurisdiction must be debated and passed into law in Alberta.
Alberta, not Ottawa, will decide how international agreements that affect provincial matters apply in the province.
“As we return to the legislature, our government is focused on delivering on the mandate Albertans gave us in 2023 to stand up for this province, protect our freedoms and chart our path forward. We will defend our constitutional rights, protect our province’s interests and make sure decisions that affect Albertans are made by Albertans. The federal government stands at a crossroads. Work with us, and we’ll get things done. Overstep, and Alberta will stand its ground.”
While the federal government has the power to enter into international agreements on behalf of Canada, it does not have the legal authority to impose its terms on provinces. The International Agreements Act reinforces that principle, ensuring Alberta is not bound by obligations negotiated in Ottawa that do not align with provincial priorities.
Bill 1 was introduced by Premier Danielle Smith following the fall 2025 speech from the throne as part of Alberta’s commitment to defend its sovereignty within a united Canada.
Key facts
- If passed, the International Agreements Act will replace the International Trade and Investment Agreements Act.
- The new legislation would expand its scope beyond trade and investment to include all areas of provincial jurisdiction.
- Currently, there is no formal agreement or requirement for the federal government to consult provinces when negotiating international treaties.
- Quebec’s Act respecting the exercise of the fundamental rights and prerogatives of the Québec people and the Québec State came into force in 2000.
- International agreements do not apply in Quebec unless approved by the national assembly or the provincial government.
- Quebec must give clear consent before any international agreement takes effect.
Related information
WATCH From Underdog to Top Broodmare (video)
Executive Producers Jeff Robillard (Horse Racing Alberta) and Mike Little (Shinelight Entertainment)
What began as an underdog story became a legacy of excellence. Crackers Hot Shot didn’t just race — she paved the way for future generations, and in doing so became one of the most influential producers the province has known.
The extraordinary journey of Crackers Hot Shot — once overlooked, now revered — stands as one of Alberta’s finest success stories in harness racing and breeding.
Born in humble circumstances and initially considered rough around the edges, Crackers Hot Shot overcame long odds to carve out a career that would forever impact the province’s racing industry. From a “wild, unhandled filly” to Alberta’s “Horse of the Year” in 2013, to producing foals who carry her spirit and fortitude into future generations.
Her influence ripples through Alberta’s racing and breeding landscape: from how young stock are prepared, to the aspirations of local breeders who now look to “the mare that did it” as proof that world-class talent can emerge from Alberta’s paddocks.
“Crackers Hot Shot, she had a tough start. She wasn’t much to look at when we first got her” — Rod Starkewski
“Crackers Hot Shot was left on her own – Carl Archibald heard us talking, he said ‘I’ll go get her – I live by there’. I think it took him 3 days to dig her out of the snow. She was completely wild – then we just started working on her. She really needed some humans to work with her – and get to know that people are not scary.” — Jackie Starkewski
“Crackers Hot Shot would be one of the top broodmares in Albeta percentage wise if nothing else. Her foals hit the track – they’re looking for the winners circle every time.” — Connie Kolthammer
Visit thehorses.com to learn more about Alberta’s Horse Racing industry.
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