Free Alberta Strategy - A link to the complete document.
Authors
Rob Anderson
is an Alberta lawyer practicing civil litigation, a political commentator for ‘Rob Anderson Unfiltered’, and a former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Airdrie from 2008 to 2015. Some of his accomplishments include serving as Alberta’s Public Accounts Committee chair, Assistant Solicitor General, Official Opposition House Leader, and member of the Treasury Board. He is currently the Chief of Staff for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Rob Anderson Unfiltered - YouTube
Barry Cooper
is a professor of political science at the University of Calgary. He has published around 200 articles and over 35 books, most recently Covid-19: The Politics of a Pandemic Moral Panic (2020). He has received numerous research grants, including a Konrad Adenauer Award and a Killam Research Fellowship. He has been a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada since 1993. Interesting Info: A copy of his 2004 book, New Political Religions: A book titled New Political Religions, or An Analysis of Modern Terrorism (2004) by Canadian political scientist Barry Cooper was among the English-language materials recovered from Osama bin Laden’s Abbottabad compound during the May 2011 raid by U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six (specifically DEVGRU operators).
The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) publicly released a declassified list of 39 English-language books (and other materials) found in the compound as part of “Bin Laden’s Bookshelf” in 2015. Cooper’s book appears explicitly on that official list. https://www.dni.gov/index.php/features/1532-bin-laden-bookshelf-features?start=5
Derek From
is an Alberta lawyer specializing in charter and constitutional issues ranging from the protection of individuals’ freedoms of expression, religion, association, liberty, security of the person, property rights, and firearms rights, to interprovincial trade. He frequently appears in the national and local broadcast and print media discussing legal, constitutional, and policy issues. Derek has written several articles and reports for the Fraser Institute, Alberta Law Review, and Canadian Constitution Foundation. As an advocate for individual civil liberties and the rule of law, Derek has devoted his career to protecting Canadians from government overreach.
The Free Alberta Strategy has two key objectives:
Establishing complete Provincial Legislative Sovereignty within Canada
Ending Equalization and Net Federal Transfers out of Alberta
The Strategy accomplishes these two objectives through a series of legislative and other policies that must be implemented by Alberta’s Provincial Government, including:
1, Provincial Sovereignty
Alberta Sovereignty Act
Grants the Alberta Legislature absolute discretion to refuse to enforce any piece of federal legislation or judicial decision that intrudes on Alberta’s provincial rights, or that unfairly attacks the interests of Alberta’s People
(Grok was used in the compilation of this information - the italicized answers)
Implemented or Partially Implemented Components
Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act (Bill 1, 2022):
Purpose: This bill allows the provincial cabinet to request the legislature to vote against enforcing federal laws deemed to intrude on provincial jurisdiction or harm Albertans, aligning with the Strategy’s goal of refusing federal legislation.
Status: Passed and received royal assent on December 15, 2022. It enables provincial agencies to decline enforcement of specific federal laws, with declarations expiring after two years unless extended.
Impact: While a significant step toward asserting provincial autonomy, the bill has faced criticism for potentially overstepping constitutional boundaries and not consulting with Indigenous groups, such as the Onion Lake Cree Nation, which sued the government.
Provincial Priorities Act (Bill 18, 2024):
Purpose: Requires provincial entities (e.g., municipalities, universities, health authorities) to obtain provincial approval before entering into agreements with the federal government, reinforcing Alberta’s control over federal interactions within its jurisdiction. This aligns with the Strategy’s aim to limit federal influence.
Status: Passed and set to come into force on April 1, 2025, with supporting regulations developed after stakeholder engagement in 2024.
Impact: This strengthens Alberta’s ability to oversee federal-provincial interactions, drawing inspiration from Quebec’s approach to provincial autonomy.
Alberta Bill of Rights Amendment Act (Bill 24, 2024):
Purpose: Amends the Alberta Bill of Rights to enhance protections for personal autonomy (e.g., medical decisions without government pressure), property rights, and the right to acquire and use firearms legally. These changes reflect the Strategy’s emphasis on protecting Albertans’ rights against federal or provincial laws.
Status: Passed in 2024, with amendments adding new rights and expanding the bill’s application to all government actions, not just legislation.
Impact: While not directly tied to refusing federal laws, it strengthens provincial protections for individual freedoms, aligning with the Strategy’s broader goals.
2. Creation of the Alberta Provincial Police Force
Replaces the RCMP in rural Alberta and municipalities without an established local police force, with an Alberta Police Force accountable to Alberta’s Solicitor General
Components Under Consideration or Not Yet Implemented. She is increasing the scope of the Alberta Sheriff Department. Minister of Justice, Mickey Amery, and Minister of Municipalities and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, went to Texas to learn about policing and border patrols from January 4th to 9th, 2025.
Alberta Police Force:
The Strategy proposes replacing the RCMP with an Alberta Police Force accountable to the provincial Solicitor General.
Status: Discussions and studies on transitioning from the RCMP to a provincial police force have occurred, but no legislation has been passed to establish it. The government has explored this through consultations and reports, but implementation remains incomplete.
Bills: The Police Amendment Act, 2022 (SA 2022 c22), includes provisions to amend the Police Act, with some sections proclaimed in force on March 1, 2025, but these focus on governance and oversight rather than creating a new force.
In March of 2024, the government passed Bill 11. Bill 11 adds several new sections to the Police Act (ss. 33.8 – 33.92), allowing for the establishment of an oversight board for the new policing organization, as well as detailing the powers and composition of the board.
The bill names the oversight board the “Independent Agency Police Service Oversight Board.” The oversight board will consist of the Deputy Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, as well as eight other members appointed by the Minister. There are no criteria or requirements in the bill relating to which groups should be represented on the oversight board, although s. 33.8(1) does reference the possibility of regulations being developed. The bill does clarify that MLAs and members of “an independent agency police service” cannot be members, and that all members must reside in Alberta.
The government has also hired a Police Chief for the New Alberta Police Service with a pathway for current Sheriffs to take a 16-week training program to qualify for the Service.
3. Alberta Independent Banking Act
Expands the number of provincially regulated financial institutions across Alberta
GROK - The Alberta government has engaged with banks and financial institutions in two distinct areas: enabling Sharia-compliant financial products (specifically halal mortgages) and addressing oil well mitigation through environmental and regulatory programs. Below is a detailed breakdown of these efforts based on available information.
A. Alberta Government Collaboration with Banks for Sharia-Compliant Financing
The Alberta government has taken steps to facilitate Sharia-compliant financial products, particularly halal mortgages, to accommodate Islamic principles that prohibit interest (riba) and certain investments deemed haram (sinful, e.g., alcohol, pork). This aligns with efforts to promote inclusivity and economic participation for Alberta’s Muslim population.
Legislative Action:
Bill 24 (Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2024): Introduced in November 2024, this legislation amends the Alberta Bill of Rights and other financial statutes to enable provincially regulated financial institutions, such as credit unions and ATB Financial (a Crown corporation), to offer halal mortgage products. These products avoid interest by using alternative structures like cost-plus financing (Murabaha) or co-ownership (Musharaka). The bill does not mandate institutions to offer these products but clears regulatory barriers for those that choose to do so.
Purpose: The legislation responds to industry demand, with financial institutions reportedly investing in IT systems and infrastructure to develop halal financing options. Finance Minister Nate Horner noted that the changes were sought by the industry, indicating proactive collaboration with banks and credit unions.
Collaboration with Financial Institutions:
ATB Financial: As a provincially owned financial institution, ATB has expressed openness to offering halal mortgages but requires further consultations to develop these products. This suggests ongoing discussions between the government and ATB to ensure compliance with both Sharia law and Canadian regulations.
Credit Unions: The legislation enables credit unions to explore halal financing, though no specific partnerships have been publicly detailed. The government’s role is to create a regulatory framework, while banks and credit unions develop the products.
Private Sector Precedent: The Edmonton-based Canadian Halal Financial Corporation, established in 2021, has been offering Sharia-compliant home financing in collaboration with the Al Rashid Mosque. While not directly tied to the government, this initiative, led by former MLA Thomas Lukaszuk and lawyer John Stainton, set a precedent that likely influenced the government’s legislative approach. The corporation uses Murabaha and Musharaka agreements, certified by a Fatwa, and has been endorsed for its compliance with Islamic and Canadian laws.
Context and Impact:
Alberta is the first Canadian province to introduce legislation enabling halal mortgages through provincially regulated institutions, positioning it as a leader in Sharia-compliant financing in Canada.
The initiative has sparked debate. Proponents argue it promotes homeownership and economic inclusion for Muslims, while critics, like those cited in Dominion Review, view it as pandering or a step toward integrating Sharia law into public policy, raising concerns about cultural implications.
Unlike traditional mortgages, halal financing may involve higher fees to maintain profitability (e.g., profit margins in Murabaha agreements), which could limit accessibility. The government is exploring ways to streamline these products, potentially through tax treatment adjustments, though details are pending.
June 9 2025: Alberta Launches First Halal Mortgage Through Partnership Between Al Rashid Mosque, Servus Credit Union, and Government of Alberta (This slipped by me)
B. Alberta Government Collaboration with Banks for Oil Well Mitigation
The Alberta government collaborates with various stakeholders, including banks, to address the environmental and financial challenges of orphan and inactive oil and gas wells. This involves regulatory frameworks, funding programs, and industry partnerships to mitigate environmental risks and ensure cleanup. However, direct collaboration with banks is less explicit compared to Sharia-compliant financing, as banks are primarily involved indirectly through financing industry activities or managing environmental liabilities.
Orphan Well Association (OWA):
The OWA, established in 2002, is a collaboration among the Alberta government, provincial regulators (Alberta Energy Regulator, AER), and the oil and gas industry to manage orphan wellsites without a legally or financially responsible owner. While banks are not direct partners, they play a role in financing oil and gas companies that contribute to the OWA through industry levies.
Funding: The OWA has received significant loans from the provincial government ($335 million between 2017–2020) and the federal government ($200 million in 2020, plus $30 million in 2017). Banks may facilitate these loans or provide credit to oilfield service companies contracted by the OWA for cleanup.
Contractor Engagement: The OWA works with contractors for decommissioning and environmental work, requiring exemplary safety records and expertise. Banks may finance these contractors, enabling them to undertake OWA projects, such as the surface decommissioning work outlined in the OWA’s 2024 Request for Information.
Site Rehabilitation Program (SRP):
Launched in 2020 with $1 billion in federal funding, the SRP provides grants (50–100% of costs) to oil and gas companies for well, pipeline, and facility closures. While the program is administered by the Alberta government, banks indirectly support it by providing financial services to participating companies. For example, oilfield service companies receiving SRP grants may rely on bank loans or credit lines to manage cash flow during cleanup projects. (Alberta had to return $130 million in unspent money to the Federal Government)
Criticism: The SRP has faced scrutiny for lacking transparency and environmental targets, with some arguing it functions as a bailout for profitable oil companies. Banks, as financiers of these companies, are indirectly implicated in debates over the “polluter pays” principle, which holds companies responsible for cleanup costs.
Proposed Incentive Program:
In 2023, Premier Danielle Smith proposed a pilot program to incentivize oil and gas companies to clean up old wells, a concept she pitched as an industry lobbyist before becoming premier. The program, which would provide financial incentives to companies already legally obligated to remediate wells, drew criticism from banks and economists as “corporate welfare.” Banks expressed concerns about the program’s violation of the polluter pay principle, as it could shift cleanup costs from companies to taxpayers.
Status: The program remains controversial and has not been fully implemented, suggesting limited bank support due to financial and ethical concerns.
Regulatory Framework:
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) oversees oil and gas activities under acts like the Oil and Gas Conservation Act (1971) and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (2000). These laws require companies to maintain financial capacity for well closure, often assessed through bank-backed securities or credit ratings.
Banks may provide financial instruments (e.g., bonds, letters of credit) to companies to meet AER requirements for well licenses, ensuring funds are available for reclamation. However, the AER’s failure to collect sufficient security deposits has contributed to the orphan well problem, as companies can go bankrupt, leaving wells unremediated.
Challenges and Bank Involvement:
Alberta has approximately 460,000 wells, including 75,786 inactive wells, 7,000 orphan wells, and 170,000 abandoned but unreclaimed wells (as of 2023). The estimated cleanup cost is $260 billion, far exceeding current funding.
Banks are cautious about financing oil and gas companies with significant environmental liabilities, as bankruptcies increase orphan wells. The AER’s new regulatory framework (2020) sets minimum annual closure spending ($700 million in 2023, $764 million in 2024), which may require companies to secure additional bank financing.
Collaboration with First Nations, supported by $100 million in SRP funding, has enabled cleanup on Indigenous lands, with banks potentially financing contractors or community-led projects.
The Government has developed a new program to clean up wells, it is basically the old program with a new Name - MAS - Mature Asset Strategy. It still has the government picking up the tab for paying for oil leases that the companies aren’t paying, as well as them taking the wells on and paying for closing them. That means YOU, the taxpayer, are responsible for cleaning up the MAS the oil companies are leaving. There are laws on the books to hold the oil companies responsible, but this government doesn’t want to do that. ( David Yager was tasked with leading the province’s engagement process on its Mature Asset Strategy (MAS). He is a sole source contractor with the Alberta Government
https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/alberta-mature-asset-strategy-draft-report-drawing-criticism/
https://rmalberta.com/news/mature-asset-strategy-final-report-released/
https://actionsurfacerights.ca/
Critical Analysis
Sharia-Compliant Financing: The Alberta government’s collaboration with banks is proactive and legislative, aiming to integrate halal mortgages into mainstream finance. However, the initiative’s success depends on banks’ willingness to develop costly products and public acceptance amid cultural debates. Critics argue it prioritizes a specific religious group, though proponents emphasize its inclusivity for all Canadians.
Oil Well Mitigation: Collaboration with banks is indirect, as banks finance industry activities rather than directly partnering with the government. The OWA and SRP rely on government and industry funding, with banks playing a supporting role through loans and credit. The proposed incentive program’s backlash from banks highlights tensions over financial responsibility, as banks prioritize risk management and ethical lending. The lack of timelines for well closures and insufficient security deposits remains a systemic issue, increasing reliance on public funds. (The Alberta Government had to return $1.3 million that the federal government had provided Alberta for oil well clean up because it was not used up in the time allotted. Alberta did attempt to persuade the Federal government to let them keep the money.)
Summary
Sharia Law: The Alberta government is working with provincially regulated banks (e.g., ATB Financial, credit unions) through Bill 24 (2024) to enable halal mortgages, building on private sector models like the Canadian Halal Financial Corporation. This is a direct collaboration to create Sharia-compliant financial products.
Oil Well Mitigation: The government collaborates indirectly with banks via the OWA and SRP, where banks finance oil and gas companies and contractors involved in cleanup. However, banks have criticized proposed incentive programs as undermining the polluter pays principle, indicating limited enthusiasm for deeper involvement.
For further details, check www.alberta.ca for legislative updates or www.orphanwell.ca for OWA activities. If you need specific information on a program or bank involvement, let me know
4. Alberta Judicial Independence Act
All future judicial appointments in Alberta to be nominated by the Government of Alberta (current members of the judiciary remain in place)
Judicial Appointments:
The Strategy proposes that Alberta nominate all future judicial appointments.
Status: No legislation or policy changes have been implemented to achieve this, as judicial appointments remain a federal responsibility under the Canadian Constitution.
Alberta has passed a constitutional amendment 36 in the Alberta Legislature to ask/tell the Federal Government they want to have more say in selecting Federal judges.
Establish international trade and market access relationships independent of the Federal Government
The Alberta government maintains international offices to promote its economic, trade, and policy interests globally. These offices are typically located within Canadian embassies or consulates and are managed by the Ministry of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism (formerly part of Alberta Intergovernmental Relations). Based on the most recent information, Alberta has foreign offices in the following locations with the employees who work there:
North America -
United States:
Washington, D.C.: Alberta Washington Office, Embassy of Canada, 501 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C., 20001. Focuses on trade, energy, and economic ties with the U.S., Alberta’s largest trading partner. (5 employees)
This is where Nathan Cooper is going on June 1, 2025, to replace James Rajotte.
Julia Bareman, Managing Director - Role: Oversees the office’s efforts to strengthen economic ties between Alberta and the U.S., focusing on trade, energy, and policy advocacy.
Alexi Drucker, Senior Trade and Public Affairs Officer - Role: Manages trade promotion and public affairs, engaging with U.S. decision-makers and stakeholders.
Amanda Murphy, Senior Policy and Engagement Officer Role: Focuses on policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement to advance Alberta’s interests.
Cheryl Crowe, Senior Program Assistant Role: Provides administrative and program support for the office’s initiatives.
Seattle, Washington: Alberta Seattle Office, Consulate General of Canada, 1501 4th Avenue #600, Seattle, WA, 98101. (2 employees)
Andrew Fisher, Director, U.S. West Coast Role: Leads efforts to promote trade and investment in the U.S. West Coast, focusing on sectors like energy, agriculture, and technology.
Patrick Fox, Outreach and Partnerships, U.S. West Role: Builds partnerships and conducts outreach to facilitate business connections and investment opportunities.
Chicago, Illinois: Alberta Chicago Office, Consulate General of Canada, 180 North Stetson Avenue, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL, 60601. Covers the U.S. Midwest. (2 employees)
Bin Lau, Director, U.S. Midwest Role: Oversees trade and investment promotion in the U.S. Midwest, targeting industries such as manufacturing and agriculture.
Lolade Mustapha, Outreach and Engagement, U.S. Midwest Role: Engages with Midwest stakeholders to promote Alberta’s economic opportunities and foster collaborations.
Dallas, Texas: Alberta Dallas Office, Consulate General of Canada, 500 N. Akard Street, Suite 2900, Dallas, TX, 75201. Covers the U.S. South. (2 employees)
Ashish Sharma, Director, U.S. South Role: Directs efforts to enhance trade and investment in the U.S. South, with a focus on energy and infrastructure.
Rebekah Dowd, Senior Business Development Officer Role: Supports business development initiatives, connecting Alberta companies with U.S. opportunities.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Alberta Minneapolis Office, 701 Fourth Avenue South, Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN, 55415.
No specific director or liaison is listed in the provided sources for this office. The office is noted as part of Alberta’s U.S. presence, focusing on trade and investment in the Midwest, but individual contacts are not detailed.
Mexico: Shannon McCarthy - Managing Director Mexico
Mexico City: Alberta Mexico Office, Embassy of Canada, Calle Schiller No 529, Colonia Polanco, Del Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico D.F., C.P. 11560. Focuses on trade in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. (2 employees)
Brian Evans, Director, Latin America Role: Leads Alberta’s efforts to promote trade, investment, and business relationships in Latin America, with a focus on energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. The office supports Alberta’s economic interests by facilitating connections with Mexican businesses and government stakeholders.
Marissa Martinez, Senior Trade and Investment Officer Role: Manages trade and investment initiatives, engaging with Mexican stakeholders to promote Alberta’s industries and attract investment.
Asia (Indo-Pacific Region - John MacDonald - Managing Director Indo-China
China:
Beijing: Invest Alberta office, specific address not listed in sources, but part of the Canadian Embassy network. (3 employees)
Ron Hoffmann, Alberta Senior Representative to the Asia Pacific Basin (based in Hong Kong but oversees Beijing operations). Role: Leads Alberta’s strategic engagement across the Asia Pacific, including Beijing, focusing on trade, investment, and business relationships in energy, cleantech, agriculture, and education.
Nan Ye, Senior Commercial Officer Role: Promotes trade and investment opportunities, supporting Alberta businesses in Beijing and northern China.
Yifan Ding, Senior Commercial Officer (Agriculture and Forestry) Role: Focuses on agriculture and forestry exports to China, a key market valued at $1.984 billion for Alberta agri-food in 2017.
Guangzhou: Alberta Guangzhou Office, Consulate General of China, 26/F, Taikoo Hui Tower 1, 385 Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510620, People’s Republic of China. (1 employee)
Shu Fen (Chris) He, Senior Commercial Officer Role: Facilitates trade and investment in southern China, targeting sectors like energy, agriculture, and advanced industries.
Hong Kong: Office within the Canadian Consulate, specific address not detailed in sources. (1 employee)
Ron Hoffmann, Alberta Senior Representative to the Asia Pacific Basin Role: Based in Hong Kong, Hoffmann oversees Alberta’s regional strategy, including Hong Kong’s role as a financial and trade hub for Asia.
Shanghai: Office within the Canadian Consulate, specific address not detailed in sources.
Japan:
Tokyo: Alberta Japan Office, Embassy of Canada, 3-38 Akasaka 7-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-8503, Japan
No specific liaison names are listed in the sources for the Tokyo office, but it operates within the Embassy of Canada and supports trade in energy, agriculture, and technology.
South Korea:
Seoul: Alberta Korea Office, Embassy of Canada, 21 Jeongdong-gil (Jeong-dong), Jung-gu, Seoul, 04518, South Korea. (4 employees)
Victor Lee, Director, Alberta Korea Office Role: Leads efforts to expand trade and investment in South Korea, targeting energy, technology, and agri-food sectors.
Ja-Young Won, Senior Commercial Office Role: Supports commercial initiatives and business connections for Alberta companies in South Korea.
Mee-Wan Kim, Senior Business Development Officer – Agriculture Role: Focuses on promoting Alberta’s agricultural exports to South Korea.
Hye-Ja Yoon, Program Assistant Role: Provides administrative support for the office’s trade and investment activities.
Taiwan:
Taipei: Alberta Taiwan Office, Canadian Trade Office, 6F, No. 1 Song Zhi Road, XinYi District, Taipei City, 11047, Taiwan. (1 employee)
Li-an Chen, Alberta Representative Role: Promotes Alberta’s trade and investment interests in Taiwan, focusing on technology, agriculture, and education partnerships.
India:
New Delhi: Alberta India Office, High Commission of Canada, 7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110 021, India
No specific liaison names are listed in the sources for the New Delhi office, but it operates within the High Commission of Canada and focuses on trade in energy, agriculture, and education.
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa - Chris Ryan, Executive Director, International Relations, Europe, and Klaus Buttne,r Managing Director, Europe
United Kingdom:
London: Alberta, U.K. Office, High Commission of Canada, Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1Y 5BJ, United Kingdom. Serves as a hub for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Klaus Büttner, Managing Director, Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Role: Oversees Alberta’s economic and policy interests across the EMEA region, promoting trade, investment, and partnerships in energy, agriculture, technology, and other sectors. The U.K. office serves as the primary hub for Europe, leveraging Alberta’s long-standing economic and cultural links, with Europe being Alberta’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment and third most important export destination.
Andrea Paniagua, Senior Investment Officer Role: Focuses on attracting investment to Alberta, engaging with European businesses and investors.
Isabelle Ward, Senior Business Development Officer Role: Supports business development, facilitating connections for Alberta companies in European markets.
Nicholas Greenwood, Commercial Programme Coordinator Role: Coordinates commercial programs and trade initiatives, providing administrative and logistical support.
Germany:
Berlin: Office within the Canadian Embassy, specific address not detailed in sources.
No specific liaison names are listed in the sources for the Düsseldorf office, but it operates within the Consulate of Canada and supports Alberta’s trade and investment goals in Germany
Abu Dhabi has an office that opened in 2025. It is located in the Canadian Embassy.
https://mydocs.wfd.alberta.ca/media/sjcf3bzs/jd-69935-director-abu-dhabi-office.pdf This is the job description.
Racim Gribaa, Director, Abu Dhabi Office (Here is who they hired)
Alberta opens Abu Dhabi office to expand trade and global reach
Alberta’s international offices | Alberta.ca (here is the Alberta Government page that lists the offices)
5. Ending Equalization
Equalization, Termination, and Tax Collection Act
Creates the Alberta Revenue Agency to collect all provincial taxes, and recovers equalization and net transfers confiscated by the Federal Government by collecting a portion of all federal income tax revenue at source
Alberta Revenue Agency:The Strategy calls for an agency to collect all provincial taxes and a portion of federal income tax to reduce reliance on federal transfers.
Status: No legislation has been passed to create this agency. The government has expressed interest in tax autonomy, but this remains at the discussion stage.
6. Creating an Alberta Pension Plan
Replaces the Canada Pension Plan with an Alberta Pension Plan, resulting in higher benefits for seniors and lower premiums for workers
Alberta Pension Plan:
The Strategy proposes replacing the Canada Pension Plan with an Alberta Pension Plan.
Status: The government has conducted consultations and released a report in 2023 estimating potential benefits, but no bill has been introduced, and public support appears limited.
(Alberta has held several online feedback forums on an Alberta Pension Plan, as well as a group of UCP supporters - “The Alberta Prosperity Project” has toured Alberta for the past two years promoting an Alberta Pension Plan. Lifeworks, formerly owned by Telus, issued a report on the Alberta Pension Plan that had Alberta receiving 53% of the assets from CPP. The report had no authors’ names listed or contact information.
Alberta Pension Plan -- Analysis of Costs, Benefits, Risks, and Considerations
Proposed Alberta Pension Plan not entitled to 53% of CPP assets: OSFI | Investment Executive
7. Establishing Alberta Unemployment Insurance
Replacing Canadian Employment Insurance with Alberta Unemployment Insurance, resulting in lower premiums for workers and higher benefits for unemployed Albertans
Alberta Unemployment Insurance:
The Strategy suggests replacing federal Employment Insurance with a provincial program.
Status: No legislation or concrete steps have been taken to implement this.
Health Care, Education, Resource Development, Environmental Regulation, and Property Rights were not mentioned in the previous points.
Opting out of all federal programs that interfere with provincial areas of jurisdiction, including health, education, resource development, environmental regulation, and property rights. This would include replacing the Canada Pension Plan (“CPP”) and Employment Insurance (“EI”) with an Alberta Pension Plan and Alberta Unemployment Insurance, designed to deliver to Alberta pensioners and those who become unemployed higher benefits using lower premiums from Alberta workers.
The UCP has underfunded public and advanced education. They have dismantled a world-class health care system so they could directly interfere with health care in Alberta. They are looking at allowing Australian billionaires to mine the Rockies, which would have environmental effects, including releasing selenium into the water supply. Upper Smoky industrial and recreational development threatens two caribou herds. Threatening to separate from Canada, which would affect Indigenous Land and Treaty rights (We are seeing all of this today.)
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GROK Question:
How much of the Alberta Freedom Strategy has the Alberta Government implemented? And what bills have they passed to do this? (The applicable sections have been moved under the bullet points of the plan. Below is the question asked Grok and the basic answer, as well as some other relevant bills that the UCP has proposed to support the theme of provincial autonomy and individual rights.
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The Free Alberta Strategy, as outlined by the Free Alberta Strategy group, proposes initiatives to enhance Alberta’s sovereignty within Canada without requiring federal approval. Key components include granting the Alberta Legislature discretion to refuse federal laws or judicial decisions deemed intrusive, replacing the RCMP with an Alberta Police Force, creating an Alberta Revenue Agency, establishing an Alberta Pension Plan, and replacing federal Employment Insurance with an Alberta-specific program, among others.
Based on available information, the Alberta government, under the United Conservative Party (UCP) and Premier Danielle Smith, has implemented or advanced elements that align with the Free Alberta Strategy’s objectives, particularly around asserting provincial autonomy and resisting federal overreach. However, not all proposed initiatives have been fully realized, and some remain in planning or consultation stages. Below is an assessment of the progress and relevant bills passed:
Other Relevant Bills
While not explicitly part of the Free Alberta Strategy, the following bills passed by the Alberta government support the broader theme of provincial autonomy and individual rights, which align with the Strategy’s objectives:
Protection of Privacy Act (Bill 33, 2024) and Access to Information Act (Bill 34, 2024):
Replace the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) to modernize privacy and information access laws. These enhance provincial control over data and privacy, indirectly supporting autonomy by strengthening local governance. Both received royal assent on December 5, 2024, and are set to come into force in spring 2025.
Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 6, 2024):
Amends the Corrections Act to enhance public safety, with sections in force on January 15, 2025. This aligns with the Strategy’s focus on provincial control over safety.
Key Aligning Bills Passed:
Bill 1: Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act (2022)
This is the flagship bill and the most direct implementation of the Strategy. It creates a framework for the Alberta Legislature to identify federal laws or policies as unconstitutional or harmful to Albertans and directs provincial entities (e.g., municipalities, police, agencies) not to enforce them. It was explicitly inspired by the Free Alberta Strategy (often called its “unofficial blueprint”) and passed in December 2022.Bill 54: Election Statutes Amendment Act (2025)
Lowers barriers for citizen-initiated referendums (e.g., signature thresholds and timelines). This has been linked to facilitating potential sovereignty-related votes or other independence/separatist initiatives promoted by groups aligned with the Strategy. It passed in 2025.Bill 14: Justice Statutes Amendment Act (2025, omnibus)
Includes changes that ease rules for referendums and citizen initiatives, further enabling sovereignty-related questions on ballots (e.g., by addressing legal hurdles for independence referendums). It has been celebrated by Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) supporters as advancing Free Alberta-style goals. Passed in late 2025.
Other Related Actions and Initiatives (Not Fully Passed as Standalone Bills):
Alberta Pension Plan (APP) exploration — The UCP government has actively studied and advanced options to withdraw from the Canada Pension Plan and create a provincial alternative, a major Free Alberta Strategy proposal. No final enabling bill has fully passed yet, but preparatory work and public consultations have occurred.
Alberta Provincial Police — Plans to replace the RCMP with a provincial force in rural areas have been introduced and advanced (aligned with the Strategy’s call for an Alberta Police Force to enforce provincial priorities independently), but full implementation legislation remains in progress rather than completed.
International Agreements Act (Bill 1 in a later session) — Aims to protect provincial jurisdiction in federal international treaties and agreements. This echoes the Strategy’s push for Alberta to limit federal overreach in areas affecting the province.
Notes:
The UCP has not passed every element of the original Free Alberta Strategy (e.g., no full Equalization Termination and Tax Collection Act or Alberta Independent Banking Act creating a provincial tax agency or banking protections has been enacted as proposed). Provincial property tax hike will cost Calgarians, on average, 6 times more than city council's | CBC News They are relying on Municipalities to collect Education Taxes for the Government. In larger municipal areas the taxes are going up over 10%. The government is counting on these taxes bringing in 33.4% of the funding for education.
Many actions frame themselves as defending Alberta’s constitutional rights within Canada rather than outright separation, though critics and some supporters see them as steps toward greater autonomy.
Additional bills (e.g., on education neutrality, use of the notwithstanding clause, or municipal powers) have been passed but are more loosely connected to the Strategy’s federal-provincial focus.
The UCP government under Premier Danielle Smith has described these measures as protecting Alberta from federal intrusion, directly fulfilling parts of the sovereignty agenda that helped shape her leadership campaign and premiership. Progress on the more ambitious economic decoupling elements (pension, police, tax agency) has been slower and remains ongoing.
Summary of Progress
The Alberta government has made progress on the Free Alberta Strategy’s goals of asserting provincial autonomy and protecting rights, primarily through the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act (Bill 1), the Provincial Priorities Act (Bill 18), and the Alberta Bill of Rights Amendment Act (Bill 24). These address refusing federal overreach, controlling federal-provincial agreements, and enhancing individual freedoms. However, other components, like the Alberta Police Force, Revenue Agency, Pension Plan, and Unemployment Insurance, remain in exploratory or consultation phases, with no specific bills passed to implement them.
Critical Note
The Free Alberta Strategy is a proposal from an advocacy group, not an official government policy, so the government’s actions may align with its goals without explicitly adopting the Strategy. Some initiatives, like the Sovereignty Act, have sparked debate over constitutional validity and Indigenous rights, suggesting potential legal challenges. Additionally, public and political support for measures like the pension plan appears limited, which may slow implementation.
For the most current legislative updates, check www.alberta.ca or www.assembly.ab.ca. If you need details on specific bills or further analysis, let me know
Yes, it is frightening how far we have gotten. Alberta is/was the canary in the coalmine for what the Project 2025 was going to look like - testing out theories, boundaries etc. Remember, Stephen Harper, Chairman of the IDU and of AIMCo, is here in Alberta. Watching the US, it is now the cautionary tale, if we don't start recognizing it and standing up, that can be us. The best time to do something about it was yesterday; the next best time is today!
Thanks for this.
Shocking to learn how far down the road of treachery the UCP has taken Alberta.
The amount of Oil and Gas orphan well cleanup cost is staggering without mentioning oilsand tailing pond cleanup costs.
Corporate interests have captured Alberta.