Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province will hold its ground when federal policies threaten interests and she has reinforced the point with newly appointed cabinet ministers..On Thursday, Smith posted a memo on Twitter that was sent to all cabinet ministers.."Our government will be holding our ground when federal policies threaten Alberta's interests. I have sent all cabinet ministers the memo below to ensure we are presenting a united front in all dealings with the federal government," Smith said.."One of my priorities as premier is to ensure Alberta's freedoms and interests are protected from federal institutions.".Smith expressed in the memo she believes Alberta is consistently treated as a subordinate level of government with unilateral federal decisions that landlock its resources, undermine the prosperity of the province, and might make life less affordable for Albertans.."Majority policy issues our government will be discussing a pushback strategy to address issues such as the federal oil and gas emissions cap fertilizer reductions, and the firearms confiscation program," Smith said.."The Alberta Sovereignty Act s a critical part of that strategy. In the meantime, our government will need to present a united front in all negotiations with the federal government.".Smith said in the memo it means "carefully considering" the effects of federal spending on the province..Targeted, time-limited federal funding agreements include:.• Focus on federal priorities at the expense of Alberta priorities..• Fail to address the disproportionate financial burden Alberta carries whatever the federal government spends money on..• Undermine the constitutional responsibility of provinces in key areas such as resource development, and health and social programs..• Often target municipalities directly in an attempt to circumvent provincial authority..• Create expectations from stakeholders that Alberta will continue to fund federal priorities even after the federal funding expires..• Create unnecessary administration through honest reporting requirements.."We must hold our ground when federal policies and funding threaten Alberta's interest," Smith said.Smith then asked all ministers in the cabinet to consider the following principles when dealing with the federal government:."Respecting the constitutional division of powers which gives Alberta jurisdiction over the development of its resources, health care, and other social programs."."Equal orders of government. Alberta is to be treated as an equal owner of government under the constitution and not as a stakeholder."."Accountability to citizens. Alberta has its own legislation, policies, priorities, and procedures. Alberta's government is accountable to its residents, not to the federal government."."Respecting jurisdictional diversity. Alberta has the right to design its own policies in its areas of jurisdiction to meet the needs of its population."."Practically, this means Alberta will seek unconditional block transfers where possible," Smith said..Smith then provided the example of Alberta supporting the Council of Federation request for a higher Canada Health Transfer, but only on the basis it remains delivered on a per capita basis as a block transfer. Smith said there also may be cases where Alberta will seek to opt-out of new federal programs if they are not in Alberta's best interest.."The federal government also avoids meaningful engagement with Alberta," Smith said.."Too often, Ottawa only seeks input on the implementation of their unilateral policies (national dental care). We will ask that the federal government provide early, open and transparent engagement with Alberta on its proposed actions.".Smith said she believes this will allow Alberta to demonstrate its own progress on a range of issues, negating the need for federal action, as well as providing alternatives to federal intervention where appropriate.."If the federal government does not honour cooperative federalism through meaningful engagement we will simply not participate in their consultations," Smith said..Smith then explained to the cabinet via the memo that their deputy ministers will receive follow-up information with more details on the proposed process.
