Latest news with #AlbertaNextPanel
Edmonton Journal
7 days ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Friday's letters: UCP grows rainy day fund but soaks seniors
It was nice to see we had a $2.8-billion surplus we could put in the rainy day fund. However, l wonder how we came to garnish such a sum. As a senior, l went for my yearly eye exam only to be told the UCP had removed the benefits for seniors and, in fact, for children for exams. This resulted in my exam doubling in price; l had to refuse the exam and l wonder how many other Albertans did the same. The UCP, because of their own ineptness in ordering COVID drugs and wasting millions of dollars, now want to charge us for getting this inoculation. Article content Article content The UCP want to reduce AISH payments to the vulnerable and charge seniors for health-related drugs; the list goes on. This government has abandoned the folk of Alberta who it should be helping but it is putting money into the Heritage Trust Fund. Article content Article content Charlie Williams, Sherwood Park Article content Homes losing their sun from infill Article content Our family has had the great joy of living many years along Rowland Road and are currently very disappointed by the infill of skinny houses in our beautiful neighbourhood. These skinny houses have not affected our home but many houses have lost their sun due to the enormity of these skinny houses. Article content I realize that city council is probably looking at the additional taxes they will receive from these properties but it has certainly changed our beautiful neighborhood. Article content Article content Colleen Hook, Edmonton Article content It's Smith who should apologize Article content In the spirit of demanding apologies, let's hear some from the premier. She should be apologizing for cramming the idea of an Alberta pension down our throats, as well as a provincial police force. I would also like an apology for wasting untold millions on the Alberta Next Panel sideshow. Article content Let's add blowing up the health-care system and making it more chaotic and challenging for everyone (including health-care workers) to navigate. Oh, and she should be really sorry for coddling and encouraging the separatist agenda. Don't worry, I'm not going to hold my breath waiting for her to apologize. Article content Apparently, the biggest threat during wildfire season wasn't the flames — it was Danielle Smith's bruised ego. Jasper dared to write a report saying her government botched the emergency response, and now she's stomping her boots demanding an apology. Not for the fire. For the feedback.
CTV News
24-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
RCMP commissioner challenges accuracy of Alberta Next survey on provincial policing
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme waits to appear before the House of Commons Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics committee, Tuesday, February 27, 2024 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld In a letter to the premier, RCMP commissioner Mike Duheme challenged the accuracy of the Alberta Next policing survey, saying some of the information is incorrect. The Alberta Next Panel survey, which launched in late June, aims to collect feedback from Albertans on issues including immigration, the Alberta pension plan and provincial policing. Before taking the survey, participants are required to watch a short video with information about each topic. One video regarding the provincial police service incorrectly asserted that the Government of Canada sets provincial policing priorities, the commissioner said. Duheme pointed out that under Article 6 of the Provincial Police Service Agreements, it is the responsibility of the provincial minister to establish the objectives, priorities and goal of the provincial police service. 'Neither the Government of Canada nor RCMP Headquarters sets priorities in this regard,' wrote Duheme, adding that the Municipal Police Service Agreement enables the head of the municipality to set objectives, priorities and goals of the municipal police service. 'In this vein, the RCMP is, and has been proud to deliver policing services that reflect the priorities and needs of communities across Alberta,' said Duheme. In a response to the letter, the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services said federal white paper, A New Policing Vision for Canada, 'clearly signals a shift in the RCMP's long-term mandate.' The paper said the federal government should be committed to working closely with provinces to support a transition away from contract policing while maintaining strong interoperability with federal policing. Contracts with municipalities and the RCMP are set to expire in 2032. The paper also said provinces should be on a path to fully exercise their responsibilities over policing, adding that provinces are best placed to define their own policing models. Duheme addressed a statement in the video that claimed regular members in Alberta are prevented from obtaining promotional opportunities in the province on the belief that they must be bilingual, saying it is inaccurate. 'In addition, I assure you that the RCMP does not move regular members out of communities on a 'moment's notice,' said Duheme. 'The process to relocate a member includes careful planning to support them and their families should they choose to pursue another opportunity. This choice is up to each individual member.' The ministry's statement said the RCMP previously confirmed in a CBC story that all deputy and assistant commissioner positions in Ottawa are designated bilingual, as are senior positions held by civilians within senior staff. 'On bilingualism, the RCMP is wrong,' said the statement from press secretary Arthur Green. However, the story also discovered that many senior officers in bilingual-designated positions can't speak French and aren't learning it. A 'frequently asked questions' portion of the document contained an inaccuracy related to the distinction between major crimes and the RCMP's federal policing program, claimed Duheme. 'I would like to clarify that in the context of a transition, the RCMP would retain responsibility for investigating criminal activity that poses the highest threat to Canada through its federal policing mandate,' wrote Duheme. The responsibility for major crimes investigations, such as homicides, would be retained by the incoming police or jurisdiction, which is currently the case where the service is delivered by Alberta RCMP as the provincial police service. Premier Danielle Smith unveiled a plan for the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service last month, allowing municipalities to opt for a provincial police service over the RCMP. The move has had mixed reactions and has raised questions about recruitment while RCMP has been struggling to hire officers.
Global News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Global News
‘Bratty children': Alberta's Smith faces criticism, anger at Edmonton panel town hall
After receiving a warm welcome and widespread support just 24 hours earlier, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith faced a more vocally critical and frustrated crowd as she and her hand-picked panel members assembled in Edmonton for the second of a series of summer town halls. 'We sound like bratty children,' said Roberta Stasyk, a resident of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., who was one of many speakers who showed up to voice their frustration. Smith launched the panel to address public concerns over Prime Minister Mark Carney's election win — concerns that have pushed some to want Alberta to separate from Confederation. The premier's staff said some 500 people attended the Edmonton town hall on Wednesday. Unlike in Red Deer the night before, at least one-third of the Edmonton crowd was there to challenge Smith and the other 15 panel members on topics like creating a provincial police force, amending the constitution, and taking greater control over immigration. Story continues below advertisement Creating a provincial pension plan was a hot-button issue, with most of those who stood up to share their opinion saying Smith needed to drop the idea once and for all. Stasyk called it a 'horrible idea,' while others challenged the benefits touted in a government-produced video that played before the topic was discussed. 'A much smaller jurisdiction… would make it much more liable to the ups and downs of the market, for one thing,' said Hans Smit, a professor emeritus from the University of Calgary, who also asked the panel for a guarantee that a provincial pension plan wouldn't be used for ideological means. Another speaker, who only identified himself as Todd, told the panel that at the end of the day, he just wanted a pension, but he didn't trust Smith's government to manage it. 'I can stick with the (Canadian Pension Plan), which is one of the most effective things in the world, or I can gamble with you idiots.' 1:56 Alberta Next Panel kicks off in Red Deer, second event held in Edmonton While the majority of speakers who lined up to discuss pension plans said they wanted to maintain the status quo, a show of hands showed the majority of the crowd was in favour. Story continues below advertisement The same occurred when the idea of a provincial police force came up — many spoke against it, but a show of hands had those in favour in a clear majority. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The divide in the room was clear, with attendees competing at every chance to make sure their boo's or cheers came out on top. While it was less of a regular occurrence than Tuesday's town hall in Red Deer, some speakers in Edmonton did use the opportunity to push for separation. 'Alberta's grievances with Ottawa predate our becoming a province,' said one speaker, Cathy. 'Let's just move forward with a referendum on independence, force that constitution open, and see where those talks take us.' Other Alberta independence supporters gathered outside, making sure those who attended saw a large 'Alberta Sovereignty Now' banner as they walked to their cars. 2:01 Alberta Next survey asks if province should withhold social services for some immigrants Also in the parking lot were two protesters, one holding a sign saying 'I love (U.S. President Donald) Trump' and wearing a large papier mache head that was a caricature of Smith. Story continues below advertisement Back inside the Edmonton hotel ballroom where the town hall took place, Smith, at times, was forced to defend the topics her panel was assembled to discuss. One proposal, that Alberta create its own immigration permitting system and cut off immigrants not approved under the system from health care and other provincially-run services, led a speaker to ask why the premier was 'punching down on immigrants.' Related News Alberta Next Panel kicks off in Red Deer, second event held in Edmonton Smith quickly spoke up to say that wasn't the case, adding that her government was just trying to find a solution to high housing costs and 'increasing pressure on our social programs.' 'There has to be a reasonable amount of newcomers that are able to come here, fit into the economy, be able to be self-supporting,' Smith said. 'That is, I think, a bit high at the moment.' Jennifer Long, an anthropology professor at MacEwan University in Edmonton, challenged the premier, saying she and the panel were giving more 'fodder' to issues that are already dividing Albertans. 'If we're worried about having affordable housing, why aren't we putting more policies to make landlords who own empty houses to make them come on the market?' Long said. Earlier in the day, Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi told reporters in Red Deer that the premier's panel was conjuring up unreliable data to support things her government already wants to do. Story continues below advertisement 'What a debacle. This thing is such a sham,' Nenshi said. Smith's panel will return to Edmonton for the third of 10 in-person town halls next month, with other dates set for Fort McMurray and Lloydminster later in August.
Global News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Premier Danielle Smith to announce details surrounding promised Alberta Next panel
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to announce today next steps in her plan to challenge what she and her government have called unfair intrusions from the federal government. Smith will be in Calgary to announce details of the Alberta Next Panel. She will be joined by Adam Legge of the Business Council of Alberta at a news conference in Heritage Park. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The premier has previously said she will chair the panel, which will tour the province to hear concerns and suggestions from Albertans about the province's relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney's government. The panel announcement is set against voices calling for Alberta to hold a referendum to separate from Confederation. Smith has said the Alberta Next Panel will hear recommendations on potential referendum questions, including one on separation.
CTV News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Premier Smith to announce details surrounding promised Alberta Next panel
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks at the Global Energy Show in Calgary on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lauren Krugel CALGARY — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to announce today next steps in her plan to challenge what she and her government have called unfair intrusions from the federal government. Smith will be in Calgary to announce details of the Alberta Next Panel. She will be joined by Adam Legge of the Business Council of Alberta at a news conference in Heritage Park. The premier has previously said she will chair the panel, which will tour the province to hear concerns and suggestions from Albertans about the province's relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney's government. The panel announcement is set against voices calling for Alberta to hold a referendum to separate from Confederation. Smith has said the Alberta Next Panel will hear recommendations on potential referendum questions, including one on separation. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2025. The Canadian Press
