`Fantasy plan for a mythical country,' Kenney says
Alberta premier says Liberals ignored resource sector
EDMONTON — The federal government's speech from the throne represents a “full-frontal attack” on Canadian federalism, the constitution and provincial jurisdiction, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney told reporters at a fiery news conference on Thursday morning.
The premier, speaking one day after Gov. Gen. Julie Payette delivered the throne speech, slammed it for being chock-full of “bright, shiny objects” and “kooky academic theories,” while making promises that impinge on provincial jurisdiction and, he argued, will actively harm Alberta's resource sector as the province labours under a brutal recession.
“There were more policies that invade provincial jurisdiction than I could count,” said Kenney.
“Alberta will continue to work with our allies across the country to focus on lives and livelihoods.”
The throne speech, at just shy of 7,000 words, promised — and, in some cases, promised again — piles of spending measures, such as a national pharmacare program, spending on daycare and national standards for long-term care homes.
The issue of provincial jurisdiction has also caught the attention of other premiers and politicians. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet targeted jurisdiction issues in his remarks Wednesday, as did Quebec Premier François Legault.
Kenney said he expects there will be many constitutional challenges if the federal government forges ahead with its promises.
The throne speech, and a Wednesday evening address to the nation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, also alluded to a larger economic recovery plan to create “one million jobs” — a scheme that promises infrastructure spending, training programs and direct spending on renewable energy and clean technology.
However, there was “not one word” about helping people in Canada's resource sector get back to work, Kenney said.
“All we are asking of the Government of Canada is to let this province, and our resource industries, get off their knees and get back onto our feet during the largest economic contraction since the Great Depression,” he said.
“It was a fantasy plan for a mythical country that only exists in the minds of Ottawa Liberals and likeminded Laurentian elites.”
For the Alberta government, the economic priorities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic remain roughly similar to the priorities when the United Conservatives replaced Rachel Notley's New Democrats: to get pipelines built, to find ways to push an economic recovery and rebuild the oil and gas sector.
“Alberta was not recognized in yesterday's throne speech,” said Kenney.
To attain those objectives, the province remains steadfast in its objections to the federal carbon tax, two pieces of legislation that regulate oil tanker traffic and pipeline construction, and millions paid into federal coffers as part of the national equalization program.
Beyond the context of a greener economic future or as a way to contribute to a net-zero emissions future, pipelines, the oil and gas sector, and mining were also notably absent from Wednesday's speeches.
These are also key industries in Saskatchewan and the north.
The reaction from Saskatchewan was similar.
“The only time in this speech from the throne that Saskatchewan was essentially mentioned was in the phase-out of our energy industry workers,” Premier Scott Moe said.
“That in no way provides me with any relief of the direction of this current government.”