Freeland finds partners on western swing
Kenney, Nenshi meetings focused on economy
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says he hopes to see concrete action in short order after meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
“We’ve identified some urgent priorities for Alberta,” Kenney said on Tuesday.
He reiterated that his United Conservative government is looking into ways — potentially its own pension plan and police force — for Alberta to have more autonomy from Ottawa.
The Liberals held on to power in October’s federal election, but were reduced to a minority mandate and were shut out in Alberta and Saskatchewan. There is anger in the oil-producing prairie provinces over what some believe is their outsized contribution to Confederation and a lack of federal support for the petroleum sector.
Freeland, who has Alberta roots and is also the minister of intergovernmental affairs, has been tasked with helping smooth Ottawa’s relationship with the West.
“Albertans do want to see some concrete action early in 2020 to demonstrate that we can find common ground in the federation.”
“We’ve really started to roll up our sleeves and get some concrete things done,” Freeland said.
After his meeting with Freeland, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he believed the Liberal government is taking Alberta’s concerns seriously.
“That said, the proof is always in the pudding and it really is clear that there are some things that we need from the federal government.”
He said he pressed Freeland on economic development opportunities that could arise from the new free-trade deal. He is also urging more federal investment in infrastructure, housing and innovation.
“This is a question that transcends politics. It’s not about, ‘You lost all your seats in Alberta.’ It’s about, ‘If the Alberta economy doesn’t work, then the nation doesn’t work.’ ”