Smith and Fréchette to Discuss Energy and Independence

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is set to meet with Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette in Quebec City this week, where they may discuss issues like separatism and energy.

While speaking at a news conference in Calgary unrelated to the meeting, Smith was asked about her upcoming discussions regarding an east-west energy corridor.

The two premiers are also likely to touch on trade, investment, and provincial autonomy during their meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

“I’ve told the previous premier every time I met with them that I talked to them about developing their own substantial natural gas resources, so that they can become energy self-sufficient from the United States and also develop export capacity for Europe,” Smith said Monday.

“I know that Madame Fréchette had talked about the potential for renewing that conversation.”

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In earlier statements, Smith has urged Quebec to build up its energy sector for greater revenue to strengthen its position in the national equalization program.

This federally funded program provides financial support to provinces with lower revenues – including Quebec, Manitoba, and those in Atlantic Canada – enabling them to offer similar services and tax rates as wealthier provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“So if Quebecers want to be strong and sovereign within a united Canada, starting by developing their own resources is number 1,” Smith said before a speech in Montreal last fall.

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“I’d love to see Quebec develop a new revenue source so that they can reduce the amount of equalization they get,” she added.

Equalization payments have been controversial for separatists in Alberta, who feel politicians from Eastern Canada unfairly benefit from this program at their expense.

On Oct. 19, Alberta will present several referendum questions to voters, including one concerning separation. It will ask Albertans whether they want to stay part of Canada or start moving toward a binding referendum on leaving confederation.

When asked about the costs associated with separation, Smith noted Monday that an independent Alberta could face nearly $400 billion in transitional costs along with annual expenses ranging from $25 billion to $50 billion.

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“All of our trade agreements would have to be renegotiated,” she mentioned.

“You don’t get grandfathered in on those agreements; thus there’ll be disruptions in our economy. We would likely face tariffs on all goods traded right away.”

This might lead into discussions between Smith and Fréchette around Quebec’s long-standing movements advocating separation from Canada as well as desires for more provincial independence from Ottawa.

2:17 Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette won’t say how she would vote in a referendum

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“I know that I’ve been inspired by Quebec on several fronts when passing legislation like the Provincial Priorities Act based on what I saw happening there,” Smith stated.

Additonally, she mentioned not planning any meetings with Paul St-Pierre Plamondon of the Parti Québécois while visiting Quebec. The PQ advocates for secession within the province.

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Both Smith and Fréchette express hopes for Alberta and Quebec remaining part of Canada even as separatism arises within both regions; however, they share interests in enhancing their independence further.

“I think we can establish a strong partnership between Quebec and Alberta-not only focusing on how we can repair this country but also collaborating over an energy corridor,” Smith said.

Smith is also expected to engage with companies based in Quebec along with industry associations during her visit.

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