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432-00557 (Economy and finance)

Paper petition

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons

We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

Whereas, Alberta has historically been the economic driver of Canada, contributing over $200 billion in the last ten years despite unprecedented economic issues;

Whereas, anti-energy and resource development policy by the current Liberal government has significantly contributed to these unprecedented economic issues that continue to impact Alberta;

Whereas, in 2019 the Liberal government locked in the unfair equalization formula until 2024 without consultation or negotiations;

Whereas, the changes made to the Government of Canada's Fiscal Stabilization Program did not properly account for the hundreds of billions of dollars Alberta has contributed to Federal Revenues, amounting to a slap in the face of Albertans;

Whereas, the unemployment rate in Alberta continues to be amongst the highest in Canada;

Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to immediately take action by:

1. Acknowledging the oversized economic contribution Alberta has made to Canada and the significant economic hardship the province is currently facing.

2. Immediately re-opening the negotiations for the equalization formula with the provinces.

Response by the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin Lamoureux

The Government recognizes that Alberta is indispensable to the social and economic fabric of Canada and it is committed to supporting Alberta families, workers and businesses. The Government provides significant financial support to all provinces and territories to support social programs. In 2021-22, Alberta will receive $6.8 billion through major transfers to help pay for health care, education and other social services.  

The Government of Canada is committed to fostering productive relationships with all provinces and territories, including Alberta.

The Government recognizes that Albertans have faced economic challenges in recent years due to declines in commodity prices and limited capacity to export products, including oil.

Equalization is the Government of Canada’s transfer program used to reduce fiscal disparities among provinces. The principle of Equalization is set out in the Constitution, namely “to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.” Equalization is funded entirely by the federal government from general revenues; provincial governments make no contributions to the Equalization program. 

Alberta does not receive Equalization because it has a higher-than-average ability to raise revenues, despite its recent economic challenges. Equalization reduces, but does not eliminate fiscal disparities; the fiscal capacities of non-receiving provinces remain above the national average. 

The current Equalization formula was introduced in 2007 by the previous Conservative government. In 2018, the federal government renewed the equalization program without changes. 

The Government of Canada will continue to work collaboratively with all provinces on Equalization in the  lead-up to the next renewal of the program, which must take place before March 31, 2024.

 

 

Presented to the House of Commons
Blaine Calkins (Red Deer—Lacombe)
February 25, 2021 (Petition No. 432-00557)
Government response tabled
April 12, 2021
Photo - Blaine Calkins
Red Deer—Lacombe
Conservative Caucus
Alberta

Only validated signatures are counted towards the total number of signatures.