Alberta’s government, as stated in the speech from the throne by Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani, aims to eliminate the landlocking of the oilsands by collaborating with partners to construct pipelines to B.C.’s northwest coast and Ontario. The speech, which marked the commencement of a new legislative session, emphasized the successful efforts in persuading the rest of Canada about the significance of selling Alberta’s natural resources. The government reaffirmed its commitment to doubling oil and gas production without specifying a timeline and highlighted the fruitful diplomatic approach taken towards U.S. tariff threats.
The speech emphasized that Alberta’s sovereignty does not imply separation and stressed the importance of achieving a “grand bargain” with the federal government to restore economic autonomy. Following a Liberal victory in the federal election in April, certain separatist sentiments arose in Alberta, leading to a citizen petition that could potentially trigger a referendum on the province’s continuation within Canada.
Premier Danielle Smith introduced the government’s first bill of the session, the International Agreements Act. This legislation specifies that international agreements signed by Ottawa will only be enforceable in Alberta if implemented under provincial legislation. The bill, inspired by a Quebec law from 25 years ago, aims to expand Alberta’s jurisdiction over all international agreements to protect its interests, especially concerning climate goals set by the federal government that have impacted the province’s economy.
Another upcoming bill will mandate approximately 51,000 teachers back to work, resolving a provincewide strike and lockout that has disrupted classes. Premier Smith expressed the government’s intention to pass both bills, prioritizing the international agreements bill due to the pre-established legislative agenda.
The speech also highlighted Alberta’s plans to enhance the value of the Heritage Fund, reduce dependency on oil and gas royalty revenues, and foster economic diversification. It emphasized Alberta’s ambition to become a leading force in both energy and artificial intelligence sectors. Additionally, the government seeks to gain more control over immigration and plans to introduce markers for Canadian citizens on Alberta driver’s licenses and identification cards.
The throne speech reiterated existing commitments, such as investing in a passenger rail system, increasing police force numbers, restructuring healthcare bodies, and modernizing school infrastructure. The opposition criticized the speech for overlooking crucial issues like public services, healthcare, and affordability, with concerns raised about the impact of Bill 1 and the perceived disconnect between the government’s priorities and the needs of Albertans.
