Alberta is threatening to drop out of the federal government's revenue-sharing deal with other provinces if energy income is included in the equalization formula.
Premier Ralph Klein says he's seeking a legal opinion to see if Alberta has the right to pull out, and says he'll fight "tooth and nail" against attempts by Quebec or other provinces to tap into Alberta's energy windfall.
"We will participate if the feds and the provinces conclude that there ought to be a 10-province standard," Klein said Wednesday. "But we won't participate if resource revenues are included."
The premier said the Constitution clearly states that Alberta has control and authority over its resources.
The Alberta premier is girding for what he calls a political showdown with Quebec and Ontario at a special leaders meeting following the western premiers conference in Gimli, Man., next week.
Klein goes ballistic, despite the fact the feds have made it clear that resources aren't part of the equation. I watched a roundtable on Duffy's show, wherein pundits were at a loss to explain this reaction. Klein defending Alberta "tooth and nail", ready to challenge the constitution, against a largely non-existent foe. Is Ralph trying to rile up the faithful by chasing ghosts? Does anyone imagine a possible scenario where Stephen Harper sells out Alberta?
Klein's reckless comments turn the up the volume without much cause. I'm sure this will play well to the choir, but really Klein looks the belligerent fool. Remember, this is the Prime Minister who advocated building a firewall around Alberta, I think you are okay Ralph. This outburst reveals why Klein is a net negative, he likes to fight and saber rattle, with no internal calculation of consequence. Proving once again, that yes, a monkey can really run Alberta at present. Take it easy Ralph, maybe wait until you have something concrete to go nuclear over.
5 comments:
Good to the last drop.
Klein goes ballistic, despite the fact the feds have made it clear that resources aren't part of the equation.
Resources ARE part of the equation.
Whether they are or aren't, how does this in any way harm or affect the interests of Alberta?
The “Government of the Province of Alberta” claims authority from the “Alberta Act”.
The "Alberta Act", drafted in 1905, states: "Therefore His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:-".
In 1905, Section 9 of the British North America Act, 1867, now called the Constitution Act, 1867, stated: "The Executive Government and Authority of and over Canada is hereby declared to continue and be vested in the Queen".
In 1905, Section 17 stated: "There shall be One Parliament for Canada, consisting of the Queen, an Upper House styled the Senate, and the House of Commons".
In 1905, Section 91 stated: "It shall be lawful for the Queen, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate and House of Commons, to make Laws for the Peace, Order, and good Government of Canada, in relation to all Matters not coming within the Classes of Subjects assigned exclusively to the Legislatures of the Provinces; ...".
What was the name of Canada's constitutional Queen regnant who had executive government and authority of and over Canada when the "Alberta Act" was drafted in 1905?
david
I couldn't figure out what the hell you were saying, then I had the misfortune of linking to your homophobic webpage. Now I know I don't really care what your saying.
Cheers.
My webpage is not homophobic.
Post a Comment