So, Alberta, What’s Next?
An Alberta political summer is usually comprised of sunshine, barbeques, rodeos, parades and photo-ops but this summer will look a little different. Premier Danielle Smith has launched the Alberta Next Panel, a provide-wide, multi-stop listening tour aimed at redefining Alberta’s future role within a united Canada. This panel did not come as a surprise and was alluded to in her comments following the most recent federal election after Prime Minister Carney’s minority election win.
The panel is comprised of 15 members including Premier Smith, as chair, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Rebecca Schulz, as well as MLAs Brandon Lunty, Glenn van Dijken and newly minted MLA, Tara Sawyer. The politicians are joined by several others including respected economist, Dr. Trevor Tombe, a retired justice from the Alberta Court of Appeal, Bruce McDonald, Agriculture advocate Melody Garner-Skiba and the Vice Chair of the Prairies for the Fraser Institute, Andrew Judson – to name just a few. It was recently announced that Stephen Buffalo would round out the panel, providing a needed Indigenous perspective as a proud member of Samson Cree Nation.
The Panel’s objective is to solicit advice from Albertans who attend in-person sessions and complete the online questionnaire. Panelists will travel from mid-July through to September and canvass on a wide range of issues, wrapping up with two online townhalls in October. According to recent advertising, the question of an Alberta Pension Plan (APP) is still very much on the table as well as assuming provincial tax collection responsibilities, Quebec-style oversight of immigration, reforming federal-provincial transfers, establishing a provincial police force and more. These consultations will culminate in several referendum questions that will be posed to Albertans to vote on directly in 2026.
According to Premier Smith and her UCP caucus, Ottawa represents an existential threat to the prosperity of the province of Alberta. She has lauded that this panel, unlike former Premier Jason Kenney’s Fair Deal Panel, is about action and more than a theoretical discussion.
Predictably, the NDP Official Opposition and their leader, Naheed Nenshi have been quick to call the panel a “do-nothing” panel and accused the Premier of doing “ridiculous things” to save face with her base of supporters. Nenshi also warned that this panel, amid conversations of Alberta separation among the general populace, could result in economic and reputational damage with investors and those who live outside of the province.
Recent polling suggests that Albertans have demonstrable frustration with Ottawa, though a minority would vote to separate from Canada, if given the opportunity. The Alberta Next Panel will provide valuable feedback to the government on how best to move forward without posing the question of separation. Ultimately, with several opportunities to provide input, Albertans are in the driver’s seat as what referendum questions make it to the ballot box will be based on their comments and concerns.
My advice is this: if you’re frustrated with the federal government? Attend a townhall near you. If you agree with the NDP and think that this is all a waste of time? Make your voice heard. Maybe you do not know what to think and you need more information? Pull up a chair, listen to fellow Albertans and hear from the panel. I may not have a crystal ball on how this is going to play out, or what questions will wind up on the ballot in 2026 but I am sure of one thing – history is made by those who show up. This is a discussion that Albertans should not miss.