Ladies and Gentlemen:

This is the second time in many of our lifetimes that a Federal government supported by Eastern voters has destroyed a generation of Albertans accumulated wealth along with the hopes and dreams of hundreds of thousands of families, businesses and communities. In both cases it happened as a result of a direct, calculated and concerted attack on our energy industries.

Despite having their wealth and their economy devastated twice in two generations, Albertans have managed to send approximately $600 billion dollars Net to Ottawa during the past 30 years.

Thank you for recognizing the unfairness of that and for seeking our input as to what actions Alberta and Albertans might take to insure that we do not continue to be the Easts ‘Sugar Daddy’ while simultaneously being their ‘Whipping Boy’.

I have read Premier Kenney’s mandate letter to your panel and I am generally in agreement with the nine points listed. As you know the majority of these ideas are contained in what has become known as ‘Alberta’s Firewall Letter’ which was first published January 24, 2001.

Reading the mandate letter reminded me of my last medical check-up: Dr. Sayeed said: To much talk and not enough action, Sonny.

That was my exact thought when I looked at the mandate letter. So my recommendation to you and to our government is: Get busy and Get er done!

However we all realize that most of the points identified in Premier Kenney’s letter are the political and economic equivalent of planting a tree. Their primary benefits will come to fruition in about 30 years and do very little to address the dire situation that our province, our community and our people are suffering thru. Alberta’s current situation requires, in fact demands, more urgent action and that is what I want to address today.

I have four suggestions in no particular order.

1. Immigration: My understanding is that Canada created approximately 300,000 jobs in 2019 and is now planning on welcoming 450,000 or more new immigrants. What sense does that make? I suggest that Alberta restrict immigration, as Quebec is doing.
2. Size and Cost of Government. If Alberta spent the Canadian average to provide services to taxpayers, we would save $8 BILLION dollars. Do that!
3. Equalization: Ten Plus Billion per year that originates in Alberta and ends up in Eastern Canada in the form of Equalization. Premier Kenney should demand an immediate renegotiation of the Equalization formula. I mean May 2020.
4. The Paris Agreement is a wealth redistribution hoax. With Our wealth! Get Canada out of the Paris Agreement or get Alberta out of Canada. Finally: Two generations of wealth DESTROYED is two two many. Don’t let them do it to us again. Albertans want these issues dealt with sooner rather than later. Twenty years of talking is enough! Time for Action. Thank you!