Things have heated up since Premier Danielle Smith introduced the idea of an Alberta Pension Plan (APP) in September.
For those out of the loop, Smith has presented Albertans with the idea that the Feds would owe Alberta 53% of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) should Alberta withdraw from the plan.
That would mean the feds owe us $334 billion!
Premier Smith’s calculation has been scrutinized, with most experts suggesting Alberta’s fair share should be between 12 percent and 20 percent, not over half.
Undeterred by the fact that it is not up to her or Albertans how much money we can get from the CPP, Premier Smith has taken her mythical piggy bank of $334 billion and started making big plans to invest that money.
She was even kind enough to ask Albertans their opinion on how to spend the windfall she is projecting.
The Alberta Government has an active online survey instituted telephone town halls and has even sent mailers to determine how Albertans want their billion-dollar pension fund managed.
Interestingly, there is no question on the survey asking Albertans if they want to stay or leave the CPP.
Here Come The Feds!
Things heated up when Trudeau finally weighed in on the proposal that Alberta withdraw from the CPP.
Trudeau sharpened his pencil and wrote Premier Smith a terse note stating his distaste for the affair.
In his letter, Trudeau said: “With all the uncertainty they face, Canadians should not have to worry whether or not the Canada Pension Plan will continue to be there for them in their retirement. Alberta’s withdrawal would weaken the pensions of millions of seniors and hardworking people in Alberta and right across the country. The harm it would cause is undeniable.”
Then he put on his boxing gloves and said, “I have instructed my Cabinet and officials to take all necessary steps to ensure Albertans — and Canadians — are fully aware of the risks of your plan and to do everything possible to ensure CPP remains intact.”
Ohhhh… back to you, Danielle.
Of course, Danielle Smith wrote a little note back to the Prime Minister (reminds us of passing notes back and forth in Junior High).
Her response?
Justin, your note was “inappropriate in tone” and “overwrought.”
She warned Trudeau that any attempt to block Alberta from withdrawing would be viewed as an attack on Alberta’s constitutional and legal rights and “met with serious legal and political consequences.”
Trumpeting the Supreme Court decision ruling Canada’s Impact Assessment Act (Bill C-69) unconstitutional, Smith is gleefully wielding her “unconstitutional” mantra over anything the feds try to do in Alberta.
More Notes Passed
And then Peter Poilievre, leader of the federal Conservatives, weighed in with his note, but not delivered to Smith or Trudeau but to the National Post.
In the 77-word statement, Poilievre blamed Trudeau for forcing Alberta to look for ways to get monies owed to them.
Of course, this was also the perfect opportunity for Poilievre to do a little campaigning as well:
“We would not be having this CPP debate if I were today’s Prime Minister because Alberta would be free from carbon taxes, unconstitutional anti-energy laws, and other unfair wealth transfers,” he said.
He concluded, “I encourage Albertans to stay in the CPP.”
Smith’s response?
She appreciated the “tone and sentiment” expressed by Poilievre regarding the destructive Liberal-NDP policies.
Apparently, she likes Pierre’s attack on Justin (defending a lady’s honour never goes out of favour!)
Politics as Usual?
So, what does all this mean?
In the war of politics, make yourself look good to your voters.
Trudeau is protecting the “interests of all Canadians” by keeping the CPP intact and prosperous.
Vote for me!!!
Poilievre wants to convince all Canadians, including Albertans, that he’ll look after their interests. But by doing it better than Trudeau did. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that polling suggests that most Albertans are against leaving the CPP.
Vote for me!!!
Fresh off her Supreme Court win and her “leave Alberta alone to do what we do best” mantra, Danielle Smith appeals to constituents who feel that Ottawa has shafted Alberta for years.
Vote for me!!!
So, while the kids in Junior High pass notes back and forth, each trying to be the most popular kid in class, the fate of Albertans’ hard-earned pensions hangs in the balance.
