Strathcona-Sherwood MLA Glubish: Standing up for Alberta
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This week, our United Conservative government introduced the Provincial Priorities Act, a significant step in our efforts to pushback against the NDP-Liberal coalition’s ongoing overreach into areas of provincial jurisdiction.
In short, this much-needed legislation would require provincial entities to seek approval before engaging in agreements with the federal government, ensuring that federal funding we receive aligns with Alberta’s priorities.
One of the key motivations behind this legislative push is to prevent federal funding from being allocated to projects or initiatives that run counter to Alberta’s best interests.
Take, for instance, the federal government’s aggressive promotion of electric buses in Canadian cities, including Calgary. While the federal agenda may tout environmental benefits, Alberta contends that these buses are not practical during harsh winters, highlighting a disconnect between federal priorities and local realities. The Provincial Priorities Act seeks to redirect funding towards initiatives that directly benefit Albertans, such as bolstering economic corridors, improving transportation infrastructure, and advancing clean energy strategies like hydrogen and carbon capture, utilization, and storage.
If passed, the Provincial Priorities Act would also support Alberta’s government in getting its fair share of funding when it comes to roads, infrastructure, housing, and other priorities. Nowhere is this more apparent than in housing. In summer 2023, Alberta received only 2.5 per cent of the total $1.5 billion in federal housing funds, despite having 12 per cent of the country’s population and, by far, the fastest growing population.
Moreover, the Provincial Priorities Act would streamline funding towards existing provincial programs rather than duplicating efforts with federal initiatives like pharmacare and dental care. By emphasizing envelope funding, Alberta can expand and enhance its health care and social programs in a manner that aligns with local requirements and preferences, rather than conforming to ideological federal mandates.
When this legislation was introduced, Premier Danielle Smith was unapologetic in wanting to get a better deal for Alberta, stating; “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.”
It’s worth noting that Alberta is not alone in this pursuit of greater autonomy. Quebec stands as a precedent with similar legislation, underlining the broader concern among provinces about federal encroachment on matters within provincial purview. The federal-provincial-territorial meeting in November 2023 further solidified this sentiment, with premiers from across Canada demanding a more collaborative approach from the federal government rather than unilateral actions that sideline provincial interests.
The Provincial Priorities Act embodies our United Conservative government’s determination to stand up for Alberta against federal overreach from the NDP-Liberal coalition, and to get back more of what we deserve.
By taking back control of federal agreements, we are paving the way for a more harmonious and effective partnership with the federal government, grounded in mutual respect and cooperation, all while safeguarding the autonomy of our great province.
Nate Glubish is the MLA for Strathcona-Sherwood Park. If you have questions about this column or any provincial government issues, he would like to hear from you. Contact Glubish’s constituency office at 780-416-2492 or by email to strathcona.sherwoodpark@assembly.ab.ca.
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