Premier Smith’s Alberta Next Panel drew sharp debate in Fort McMurray on pensions, fiscal trust, and separatism as town halls continue across the province.
Alberta Next Panel sparks debate on pensions, sovereignty
Fort McMurray event draws mixed reactions
Premier Danielle Smith faced a divided but engaged audience Tuesday evening as the Alberta Next Panel stopped in Fort McMurray. The event, hosted at Keyano College, marked the fourth of 10 scheduled town halls aimed at gathering public input on Alberta’s future within Canada.
Key concerns from local residents
While some attendees welcomed Smith’s push for greater provincial control, others raised doubts about her government’s ability to manage programs such as a provincial pension plan or police force. Critics pointed to past financial decisions — including a $70 million medicine purchase — as reasons for skepticism.
Debate over pensions and fiscal prudence
Smith defended the idea of an Alberta-run pension, saying it could deliver stronger financial returns than the Canada Pension Plan. However, several participants questioned whether the province’s track record demonstrated the competence required to oversee such a system.
Distrust tied to recent policy decisions
Audience members also challenged the government’s credibility on broader issues. Some cited the new administrative fees for certain COVID-19 vaccines as evidence of broken trust. Smith responded by blaming Ottawa’s withdrawal from federal vaccine funding, arguing the province had been forced to adjust.
Calls for separation surface
Beyond policy concerns, some residents argued that Alberta should pursue outright separation from Canada rather than constitutional reforms. Smith pushed back, warning that independence would not ease challenges such as building energy pipelines, and urged Albertans to “make the federation work.”
What’s next for the panel tour
The Fort McMurray session followed similar town halls in Red Deer and Edmonton, where Smith encountered both strong support and sharp criticism. The Alberta Next Panel will continue its provincewide tour in Lloydminster on Thursday, with more stops planned to gather feedback on sovereignty and provincial priorities.