If Prime Minister Mark Carney wins the April 28 federal election, many Albertans fear a continuation of Trudeau-style policies targeting the province and its oil and gas sector.
Key examples include the carbon-pricing framework, Bill C-69 — labelled the “no more pipelines bill,” the proposed oil and gas emissions cap, and so called clean-energy regulations.
With a Carney victory — or a shifted political landscape — in play, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has unveiled plans for a travelling panel to collect Albertans’ views after the election.
Speaking on her Saturday radio show, Smith said the panel would evaluate how residents feel about the new federal government’s stance on Alberta’s nine energy-focused demands, such as scrapping emissions caps and easing hurdles for major energy projects.
Smith noted the panel would “see how people are feeling” and weigh “what issues they might want put to a referendum.” She emphasized broad participation, saying, “There’s a way for people to bring forward questions so every Albertan can have their voice heard.”
While keeping a referendum on the table, Smith avoided committing to it, framing the effort as a chance to listen. She also dismissed talk of separation from Canada as “nonsense.”
Her proposal echoes earlier remarks about possibly reviving a “Fair Deal Panel” — like the one launched in 2019 to probe Alberta’s place in Confederation — should Ottawa overlook the province’s priorities.
Recent polls show Carney ahead of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
A December 2024 survey found 38% of Albertans believe the province would be better off alone, yet a July 2023 poll showed 71% oppose outright independence.
Posts on X reflect this divide, with some users predicting Alberta’s exit as “inevitable” if Liberals win again, while others see it as a fringe fantasy.
