Premier Smith Launches “Alberta Next” Panel to Explore Greater Provincial Autonomy, Eyes Pipeline Revival
Calgary, The Gulf Observer: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Tuesday that the “Alberta Next” panel will begin touring the province this summer, seeking public input on ways Alberta can assert greater economic and political autonomy within Canada. The initiative, first unveiled in May, will hold a series of in-person town halls and gather online feedback, with some proposals potentially heading to a referendum in 2026.
Speaking at Heritage Park in Calgary, Smith said the panel is meant to put “Albertans in the driver’s seat”, allowing them to decide how the province can become “stronger and more sovereign” while remaining part of a united Canada.
The panel will be chaired by Smith and will include key figures such as Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz, economist Trevor Tombe, and Adam Legge of the Business Council of Alberta, among others still to be named.
Revisiting Old Debates
The government said the panel will consult Albertans on a range of issues, including:
- Establishing a provincial pension plan separate from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
- Transitioning from the RCMP to a provincial police force
- Exploring immigration reforms
These topics echo the UCP’s previous “Fair Deal Panel,” which made 25 recommendations, many of which are now being reconsidered. Smith acknowledged the overlap, saying some previously raised issues may now merit a referendum, while others may emerge from the new consultation process.
Despite the assertive tone, Smith reiterated that a question on Alberta separation would not be part of the 2026 referendum, though citizen-led petitions that garner 177,000 signatures could compel the government to add such questions to the ballot.
Political analyst Lori Williams, of Mount Royal University, noted the inclusion of diverse voices on the panel but questioned why the government continues to revisit issues like the Alberta pension plan, which have already received public pushback.
Pipeline Revival Talk
On the heels of Smith’s autonomy push came renewed speculation about a new oil pipeline to British Columbia’s north coast. Speaking to Bloomberg News, Smith said she expects a private company or consortium to propose a new pipeline route “within weeks,” though she did not name any specific firms.
When pressed by reporters, Smith said she has been in discussions with multiple pipeline companies since taking office and suggested momentum is building behind a new project. She hinted at Prince Rupert as a potential end point, reviving interest in a northern route reminiscent of the cancelled Northern Gateway pipeline, scrapped in 2016 due to inadequate First Nations consultation.
B.C. Premier David Eby has already signaled opposition to any federal subsidies for such a project, pointing to the existing Trans Mountain pipeline and its unused capacity. However, he left the door open to privately backed proposals, saying, “What I don’t support is tens of billions of dollars in federal subsidy going to build this new pipeline.”
Alberta-Ottawa Tensions Continue
Smith’s comments reflect ongoing tensions between Alberta and the federal government, particularly over energy and climate policy. She accused Ottawa of being “fixated on punishing” Alberta’s energy sector and reiterated the need for Alberta to shield its economy from federal interference.
With the “Alberta Next” panel now set to engage citizens directly, the initiative signals the UCP government’s intent to test the waters for bold reforms — and possibly spark another round of national dialogue on the balance of power between provinces and the federal government.
