Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced that the province is on the verge of a significant breakthrough in its long-standing energy disputes with the federal government in Ottawa.
A Deal Within Reach
Speaking on Friday, Premier Smith repeatedly used the phrase 'very, very close' to describe the progress made in negotiations with Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal government. Despite Alberta's absence from Carney's Thursday announcement about nation-building projects in several other provinces, Smith expressed unwavering optimism about securing what she calls a 'comprehensive package' for Alberta.
The premier indicated that only a few more days of patience are needed before Albertans can expect a major announcement, potentially by Grey Cup Sunday. She acknowledged the lengthy history of conflict with Ottawa but expressed confidence that the eventual agreement will satisfy Albertans.
Negotiation Details Emerge
According to Smith, she and Prime Minister Carney have engaged in extensive back-and-forth discussions over the past two weeks, spending many hours working through the details of a potential agreement. The premier emphasized that she has communicated the urgency of reaching a settlement to the prime minister.
The proposed deal would represent a major victory for Alberta's energy sector, potentially including clearance for a pipeline to the west coast, the elimination or neutralization of Liberal environmental laws targeting the oilpatch, and approval for a major carbon capture project.
Political Challenges and Support
The path to an agreement faces significant political hurdles. British Columbia Premier David Eby has consistently opposed Alberta's pipeline ambitions, frequently criticizing Alberta's economy and mocking the concept of shipping bitumen through his province to Asian markets.
Within Carney's own Liberal party, left-leaning members who supported former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are reportedly working to scuttle any agreement with Alberta. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has positioned himself as a strong supporter of Alberta's energy ambitions, though he expressed skepticism about Carney's willingness to deliver a meaningful agreement.
Despite these challenges, Smith appears to believe in Carney's ability to prevail and deliver a substantive agreement that will benefit Alberta's energy sector and economy.
