Albertans are being asked what a fair deal looks like in the country in provincial survey

Image credit: Alex Tétrault, National Observer.

The province’s Fair Deal panel is looking for feedback about frustrations Albertans have with their current placement in Confederation.

They have opened a survey to the public, open until March 15, to share their thoughts and ideas on how to give Alberta a bigger voice within the Canadian federation, the province said.

The survey builds off the Fair Deal town halls the province held in major centres late last year and early 2020.

Concerns typically range to economic issues like pipelines and natural resources, equalization payments, and greater political weight nationwide.

“The Fair Deal Panel has already connected with thousands of Albertans through local engagement sessions, meetings, email and online. We know there are more who may have ideas to share,” said Oryssia Lennie, chair, Fair Deal Panel.

“We encourage all Albertans to take this survey and make their voices heard on how we can best advance Alberta’s interests on the national stage.”

In addition to receiving input from Albertans, the panel is consulting with policy experts and undertaking research to inform its recommendations.

Some that have been suggested include creating an Alberta Pension Plan, ditching the Alberta Police Service Agreement with the feds and creating a provincial police force, and emulating some of Quebec’s strongholds on federal decision making.

The panel will complete its report to the government by March 31.

The survey can be found here: https://extranet.gov.ab.ca/opinio6//s?s=FairDeal