Alberta Now Party Aims to Represent Province in Ottawa
Drew Barnes, co-founder of the new Alberta Now federal political party, envisions a Canadian government that prioritizes Alberta's interests and values. The party aims to strengthen Alberta's oil and gas and agriculture sectors while increasing provincial control over federally imposed environment regulations.
The Alberta Now party would oppose equalization efforts in Ottawa, promote partnerships for pipeline construction, and eliminate interprovincial taxation of Alberta royalties.
Barnes, a former Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA, criticized Premier Danielle Smith's leadership of the UCP party, stating that she doesn't need to ask Ottawa for permission on certain issues. The Alberta Now party would work within Canada's existing system rather than pursuing separation.