Alberta’s NDP is putting forward a motion calling on the legislature to denounce the independence movement in Alberta..The motion, which could be debated as early as Monday, says it is in Alberta’s best interest to stay within Canada..“Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly affirm that it is unquestionably in Alberta’s interest to remain part of the Canadian federation and unequivocally denounce calls for Alberta to become a state that is independent of a strong and united Canada,” reads the motion brought forward by Rod Loyola, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie..While Premier Jason Kenney has repeatedly said he’s a Canadian patriot, others, including some within his own UCP caucus, say independence needs to be on the table if there is any chance of getting a fair deal from Ottawa..Drew Barnes, UCP MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat who wrote a dissenting Fair Deal panel report saying independence needs to be on the table, said the NDP motion comes as no surprise..“The NDP has been unwilling to stand up for Alberta families – this is no surprise at all,” Barnes said in an interview with theWestern Standard..“It’s clear the actions of the feds and Ottawa have limited opportunity and hope in Alberta. We need opportunities to work hard..“Ottawa and the Laurentian elite have to realize there has to be consequences. I look forward to having a discussion about this with Albertans in the coming days.”.In June, Alberta’s Fair Deal panel is recommended numerous changes the province can make quickly in order to get a better deal in Confederation – but there was no talk of long-term Constitutional change nor any mention of independence.. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .The report said Alberta should take immediate steps to create a provincial pension plan, set up its own police force and appoint a chief firearms officer..In terms of the controversial issue of Fiscal Stabilization, the Fair Deal panel said Alberta should “press strenuously for the removal of the current constraints on the Fiscal Stabilization Program, which prevent Albertans from receiving a $2.4 billion equalization rebate.”.Other suggestions on what Alberta should do immediately is to secure a seat at the table when the federal government negotiates and implements international agreements and treaties affecting Alberta’s interests, opt out of new federal cost-shared programs, subject to Alberta receiving full compensation and continue to diversify Alberta’s economy in the energy sector and beyond..Barnes wrote his own report to Kenney urging a much stronger stance against Ottawa for the province to get a fairer deal in Confederation, adding that the issue of Alberta independence needs to be on the table..…This story will be updated as reaction comes in.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.TWITTER: Twitter.com/nobby7694
Alberta’s NDP is putting forward a motion calling on the legislature to denounce the independence movement in Alberta..The motion, which could be debated as early as Monday, says it is in Alberta’s best interest to stay within Canada..“Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly affirm that it is unquestionably in Alberta’s interest to remain part of the Canadian federation and unequivocally denounce calls for Alberta to become a state that is independent of a strong and united Canada,” reads the motion brought forward by Rod Loyola, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie..While Premier Jason Kenney has repeatedly said he’s a Canadian patriot, others, including some within his own UCP caucus, say independence needs to be on the table if there is any chance of getting a fair deal from Ottawa..Drew Barnes, UCP MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat who wrote a dissenting Fair Deal panel report saying independence needs to be on the table, said the NDP motion comes as no surprise..“The NDP has been unwilling to stand up for Alberta families – this is no surprise at all,” Barnes said in an interview with theWestern Standard..“It’s clear the actions of the feds and Ottawa have limited opportunity and hope in Alberta. We need opportunities to work hard..“Ottawa and the Laurentian elite have to realize there has to be consequences. I look forward to having a discussion about this with Albertans in the coming days.”.In June, Alberta’s Fair Deal panel is recommended numerous changes the province can make quickly in order to get a better deal in Confederation – but there was no talk of long-term Constitutional change nor any mention of independence.. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .The report said Alberta should take immediate steps to create a provincial pension plan, set up its own police force and appoint a chief firearms officer..In terms of the controversial issue of Fiscal Stabilization, the Fair Deal panel said Alberta should “press strenuously for the removal of the current constraints on the Fiscal Stabilization Program, which prevent Albertans from receiving a $2.4 billion equalization rebate.”.Other suggestions on what Alberta should do immediately is to secure a seat at the table when the federal government negotiates and implements international agreements and treaties affecting Alberta’s interests, opt out of new federal cost-shared programs, subject to Alberta receiving full compensation and continue to diversify Alberta’s economy in the energy sector and beyond..Barnes wrote his own report to Kenney urging a much stronger stance against Ottawa for the province to get a fairer deal in Confederation, adding that the issue of Alberta independence needs to be on the table..…This story will be updated as reaction comes in.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.TWITTER: Twitter.com/nobby7694
