Breakenridge: Alberta’s political leaders dwelling in a dream world of their very own making

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When requested lately concerning the collateral injury to different provinces ensuing from Alberta strolling away from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) with over half its property, Premier Smith declared, “I’ve bought to place the pursuits of Albertans first.”

In the case of Alberta’s considerations concerning the collateral injury of Ottawa’s proposed Clear Electrical energy Laws (CER), the identical Premier Smith is satisfied {that a} nationwide advert marketing campaign will generate some sympathy for our trigger.

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Now, it might be that different provinces have various ranges of concern over the CER, however it’s relatively immodest of us to consider that we should name their consideration to that reality. In the end, although, the concept we are able to have it each methods right here is wishful pondering at greatest. Sadly, we’re seeing numerous that from the federal government as of late.

The entire premise that Alberta can be entitled to over 50 per cent of the CPP’s property is maybe the obvious — and consequential — instance of such wishful pondering. It’s primarily based on a relatively questionable (to place it charitably) interpretation of the CPP exit components and is totally oblivious to the political actuality that the federal authorities and each different province within the CPP would by no means permit it to occur.

But, the Alberta authorities’s messaging on the deserves of an Alberta Pension Plan — together with one more advert marketing campaign along with a relatively torqued survey — is all primarily based on the premise that it is a settled matter. It’s not solely delusional however does a disservice to an necessary debate. There are nonetheless arguments for leaving the CPP that don’t contain dwelling in a dream world.

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It will not be the one dream world Alberta’s political leaders are inhabiting. As a part of the announcement final week of the “Inform the Feds” advert marketing campaign in opposition to Ottawa’s CER, the premier mused about utilizing the contentious Sovereignty Act.

When requested about attainable responses to an intransigent federal authorities, Smith replied, “We’re making ready a sovereignty act movement, and I’m hoping we don’t have to make use of it.”

Properly, if there’s a device on the Alberta authorities’s disposal to dam the imposition of a harmful federal coverage, why would that be a final resort and never the primary plan of action? If we are able to simply inform the feds, “Sorry, guys — can’t do this right here,” why not simply do this now and be carried out with it?

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It’s as soon as once more wishful pondering to consider that there’s something Alberta can do concerning the CER aside from to both work with Ottawa to discover a compromise or go to court docket and argue that Ottawa is infringing on clear provincial jurisdiction. There may be nothing the Sovereignty Act can do, and it’s delusional to suppose in any other case.

For one, the Alberta authorities isn’t being requested or ordered to do something by the federal authorities. Have been that the case, Alberta may merely refuse (which might make any type of Sovereignty Act declaration merely redundant).

Furthermore, the method beneath the Sovereignty Act includes passing a movement which might then direct cupboard to suggest attainable legislative adjustments that would combat again in opposition to regardless of the recognized risk occurs to be. It’s unimaginable to ascertain any type of legislative adjustments that Alberta may make regarding the imposition of the CER, but when there’s such a change that could possibly be made, then why hassle with the Sovereignty Act? Why not merely proceed with the related legislative amendments?

There is no such thing as a secret legislative shortcut or constitutional magic wand that Alberta can use to thwart Ottawa’s net-zero targets for the electrical energy grid. Alberta has good cause to be involved concerning the influence of these plans as they presently stand and Alberta has a legitimate level about provincial jurisdiction on issues pertaining to electrical energy.

It isn’t simply that each one this fanciful fantasizing makes the federal government look foolish. It’s damaging their credibility, which in flip undermines the very causes they’re championing.

“Afternoons with Rob Breakenridge” airs weekdays 12:30-3 p.m. on QR Calgary

[email protected]

@RobBreakenridge

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