The Premiers of Saskatchewan and Alberta warned re-elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of the risks of not addressing regional alienation in recent open letters.
The letters, both sent on Tuesday, highlight the fact that the Liberals still need to address their provinces’ concerns despite no Liberals getting elected in either Alberta or Saskatchewan.
Scott Moe noted that the anger in his province is reaching an apex.
“The path our federal government has been on the last four years has divided our nation. Last night’s election results showed the sense of frustration and alienation in Saskatchewan is now greater than it has been at any point in my lifetime,” Moe said.
“In Canada, we now have a Liberal minority government that did not receive the popular vote, has no mandate, will be supported either by a 4th place party that has never governed, or a party that does not want to be party of this nation. This government also has no representation from Saskatchewan or Alberta.”
Moe also listed three things Justin Trudeau can do to resolve the near-crisis, including cancelling the carbon tax, amending the equalization payment formula and building pipelines.
While stern, Moe did not mention what Saskatchewan will do if Trudeau fails to meet his requests.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney started with the same tone, speaking on Trudeau’s opposition to Alberta’s oil and energy sector during the election.
“I am gravely concerned at the potential impact many of the platform commitments both you and your potential coalition partners made during the election campaign,” he said.
“Commitments that would make it even harder for Alberta to produce and export our natural resource products — some in clear violation of our Constitution and rule of law by intruding into areas of provincial jurisdiction — and which would have dire consequences for this country.”
The primary legislation Kenney opposes are bills C-48 and C-69. Bill C-48 banned oil tankers from key coastlines of British Columbia, and C-69 makes changes to the pipeline assessment process that could postpone potential line projects indefinitely.
Both Kenney and Moe notably mentioned equalization, which is important as the current formula means that both provinces have sent billions to other provinces, including those run by governments who refuse to develop their own natural resources and oppose western resource development.
Kenney ended his letter by promising to work with the federal government to ensure Canada remains a strong nation.
“A strong Alberta ensures a stronger Canada. I look forward to working with your government on issues that affect Albertans and all Canadians.”
