Alberta Myths vs Facts
What is the truth behind the UCP vs Canada
As promised last week, here is the truth behind why the UCP supporters believe that Alberta should separate and the Truth.
Myth: Alberta is Canada’s Engine
You have heard that Alberta sends more to Ottawa than any other province, that Ottawa depends on our Oil and Gas to fund their coffers.
Truth
Canada gets roughly 15% of its revenue from people and corporations within Alberta. People and corporations in all the other provinces collectively contribute nearly 85% of Canada‘s revenue. So, while it’s sort of true that Alberta—or rather people and corporations within Alberta—pay more than any other province, they’re not keeping the program afloat on their own. Debunked: Alberta doesn’t send the most money to Ottawa
Commentary: $53 billion to Ottawa – the oil and gas extraction sector's contribution to federal finances. Commentary: $53 billion to Ottawa – the oil and gas extraction …
The Tyee Busting the Myth that Ottawa has hurt Alberta’s Oil and Gas Industry Busting the Myth That Ottawa Has Hurt Alberta’s Oil Industry | The Tyee
What has Ottawa done to support Oil and Gas?
Canada's federal government provided $29.6 billion to the oil and gas industry in 2024, according to a new analysis by Environmental Defense. OTTAWA, ON Federal government invested nearly $30 billion in oil and gas industry in 2024, report finds.
Canada purchased and built the TMX pipeline TCI Energy Brief: Early TMX Pipeline Expansion Data Reveals China’s Emerging Role as a Significant Buyer of Canadian Crude, Offering Some Diversification From the U.S. Market
History of the petroleum industry in Canada - Wikipedia
In summary, the Canadian federal government has supported the oil and gas industry through direct financing, tax incentives, infrastructure investments, and emissions reduction programs, with significant focus on projects like the Trans Mountain pipeline and CCS technologies. However, this support is contentious, with environmental groups calling for a faster phase-out and industry advocates arguing it’s necessary for economic stability. GROK3
The Negative Federal Government impact on jobs in Oil and Gas.
The Canadian federal government’s environmental policies, including carbon pricing, emissions caps, regulatory overhauls, and subsidy phase-outs, are seen by the oil and gas industry as increasing costs, deterring investment, and limiting market access. These measures have sparked significant debate, with industry advocates arguing they harm a critical economic sector, while the government emphasizes the need for climate action. For more details, you can explore government policy documents on Canada.ca or industry perspectives from CAPP.
GROK 3
Oil and Gas Jobs
Summary
Between 2014 and 2024, Canada’s oil and gas industry lost approximately 33,000–49,000 jobs, with automation being a significant but not exclusive factor. Reports estimate that 40,000–50,000 more jobs (30% of the upstream workforce) could be lost to automation by 2040, particularly in drilling, operations, and trades. The 2014–2016 oil price crash and 2020 pandemic accelerated these losses, with automation technologies like AI, robotics, and driverless systems reducing labor needs. However, global market dynamics and reduced capital spending also played major roles, making it difficult to attribute losses solely to automation.
Oil and Gas jobs are leaving Alberta and they are not coming back. They are good paying jobs. Truth is it’s the Oil Companies that are automating to save money. They want you to blame Ottawa and the UCP are happy to jump on the bandwagon and point the finger in that direction. Companies want to make a profit. People are not profitable in the long run. It costs money to train you and to keep you. A machine is much more efficient. Ottawa wanted to set up job training so when this happened Albertans would have skills in other industries. But Alberta - your government said “NO! We are not listening to you.”
Coal
The Grassy Mountain Coal Project was proposed as an open-pit metallurgical coal mine covering 6918 acres (28 km2). It was expected to produce 4.5 million tonnes of processed coal per year, with an expected lifespan of 25 years. It was acquired by Northback.
Grassy Mountain Coal Project - Wikipedia.
In Alberta, Intense Lobbying by Australia’s Coal Baron
In Alberta, Intense Lobbying by Australia’s Coal Baron | The Tyee
Northback has spent over $1 billion since 2015 trying to advance the project but that wasn't a consideration for the regulator. The project will also give Albertans additional information on the scale of the coal deposit at Grassy Mountain, says the decision. May 15, 2025
Alberta regulator approves Northback coal exploration project ...
Alberta settles with 2 Australian coal companies over policy change - $15 billion without taking it to court.
The Alberta Energy Regulator CEO (former President and CEO of Strathcona Resources Ltd.) cancels public hearing into Grande Cache coal mine.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-energy-regulator-ceo-cancels-public-hearing-for-grande-cache-coal-mine-1.7618556
Albertans have said “NO!!” to Coal.
The Government of Alberta won’t listen. Despite numerous protests, presentations and letter writing campaigns.
Alberta Energy Regulator's Approval of the Northback Coal Exploration Project on the Grassy Mountain site. After years of debate, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) issued a pivotal decision on May 15: Northback Holdings' controversial Grassy Mountain Coal Exploration Project would be given the green light.
Renewing non-renewables? Alberta Energy Regulator's ...
Problems with Coal Mining in the Rockies
Coal mining poses severe risks, including: Water Pollution: Selenium and other toxins from coal mines contaminating rivers, impacting drinking water, ecosystems, and agriculture. Health Risks: Coal dust and pollutants are linked to respiratory illnesses, cancer, and soil contamination. Save Our Slopes.
Critical information not yet released to public by GoA
Yes, it's selenium. Yes.....it's at an unacceptable concentration locally. A health advisory should be provided.
The Effects of Selenium from Coal Mining in the Rockies Not Yet Released by the GOA
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Myth: Alberta is the Most Affordable Province in Canada
Affordability/Economy
Auto Insurance
The provincial Government is set to change how auto Insurance works in Alberta starting January 2027
Automobile insurance reform
Reforming Alberta’s auto insurance system so it is more affordable and stable for drivers and insurers now and in the future.
A care-first system will provide Alberta drivers with access to increased benefits for a reduced cost – focusing on getting the treatment they need faster.
Watch the video to learn more: Alberta’s care-first auto insurance system
Beginning on January 1, 2027.
Automobile Insurance
In the meantime they have allowed Insurance companies to increase insurance 7.5% each year and more if you are not a good driver!
Automobile insurance reform | Alberta.ca
Alberta Automobile Insurance
Alberta lawyers are upset over the new Insurance rules passed in Bill 42.
Alberta auto insurance overhaul – lawyers hit out
Housing
A new report reviewing efforts to address affordable housing has given Alberta the lowest grade among Canadian provinces.
Alberta gets an overall D+ on the Report Card on More and Better Housing for failing to adopt better building codes, encourage factory-built housing and regulate construction in flood-prone areas, said author Mike Moffatt.
Affordable housing report card gives Alberta 'D+' grade, lowest in Canada | CBC News
Alberta is experiencing a housing crisis. In Calgary alone, more than 2,900 people are experiencing homelessness. Edmonton is approximately double that.
Housing For All in Alberta Fund - Unite for Change
Food
In Alberta, 1 in 4 households experience food insecurity. Household food insecurity is a serious public health issue in Alberta that negatively affects physical, mental, social wellbeing, and society as a whole.
Household Food Insecurity: Actions in the Community | Alberta Health Services.
According to the 2024 HungerCount report by Food Banks Canada, Alberta ranks fourth nationally for food bank visits, with 172,832 monthly visits, an over 90 per cent increase between 2019 and 2024. This aligns with trends observed at the Airdrie Food Bank, which has seen a significant increase in service demand. (2024)
Alberta's food bank visits ranked: 'Everyone must come to the table to eat
Are the UCP using any of these to make Alberta more affordable?
Provincial Policy Levers to Reduce Household Food Insecurity - PROOF
AISH
AISH recipients get $1901/month for food, shelter, clothing, medications etc. The Federal government is giving every Low Income recipient from all the provinces a $200 top up to help with these expenses. Alberta is requiring people on AISH to apply for this benefit (it will cost them out of pocket to have Doctors fill out the paperwork and they will not be reimbursed) and they will claw it back from the $1901 they currently give them.
At the same time they just gave themselves a housing allowance increase of $270 to $2,200/month which is more than AISH get to cover everything they need!
AISH to ADAP
Set to launch in July 2026, ADAP will operate alongside the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program, which provides financial support for Albertans with severe and permanent disabilities who cannot work.
How ADAP Will Work
Higher-income exemptions: ADAP will allow recipients to earn more while maintaining benefits.
Continued health benefits: Those in ADAP will retain full health benefits regardless of income.
Employment supports: The province will expand career planning, job placement, and training programs to help recipients enter the workforce.
New medical review panel: A panel of medical professionals will determine eligibility and reassess cases as needed.
Alberta announces new disability assistance program; some raise concerns - DiscoverAirdrie.com
About | Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD)
Conclusion
Alberta is becoming more and more expensive to live in. The government gives permission to Insurance companies, Utility companies to charge us more. Alberta and Saskatchewan have the lowest minimum wage in Canada - Minimum Wage by Province | Retail Council of Canada
I didn’t vote for this, these are not Conservative values. We look after each other. We are willing to pay a fair rate, but they are taking advantage of Albertans to benefit their rich, corporate friends. There is so much more this government has done and is doing to make life more difficult. We will be posting on Health Care and Education separately.