Alberta’s Smith shrugs off UCP backbencher’s condemnation of MOU with Ottawa

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is brushing off dissent from within her own party over a deal with Ottawa aimed at building an oil pipeline. United Conservative MLA Jason Stephan publicly condemned the memorandum of understanding, calling it "not good enough for Alberta" and a "cynical ploy" to "pacify and subjugate Albertans."

Stephan questioned the motives behind the deal, suggesting it was a tactic to quell Albertan grievances rather than address them meaningfully. He asked if Alberta should remain silent and act as a "good colony" after receiving what some in Ottawa perceive as a favor. His comments were published online and deferred to his written statement, as he was unavailable for an interview.

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Some in Ottawa act as if they are doing Alberta a favour by the MOU. Does that mean Alberta should now be quiet and to be a good colony?

However, Smith's office defended the MOU, asserting that it has been instrumental in repealing and amending laws that previously hindered Alberta's economy. A spokesperson stated that the agreement paves the way for unprecedented pipeline construction and energy exports. The government affirmed its commitment to collaborating with Ottawa when possible and pushing back when necessary.

The deal, signed last fall, involves Ottawa fast-tracking a pipeline project in exchange for Alberta's progress on a carbon capture network. Stephan's criticism comes as Smith prepares to announce a proposal for a million-barrel-a-day bitumen pipeline to the West Coast. Albertans are also set to vote in October on whether to remain in Canada or pursue separation.

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Through the Alberta-Ottawa MOU, we have successfully repealed and amended the majority of the nine bad laws that were hindering Alberta’s economy, clearing the way for Alberta to build new pipelines and export our energy resources on an unprecedented scale. We will continue to work with Ottawa where we can, and we will push back where we must.