Dear Readers,

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Adam from Rebel News, delving deep into a subject that has stirred much debate across Alberta: the proposition of transitioning from the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) to an Alberta-run pension scheme. This conversation comes at a pivotal time when our province is considering a significant shift towards greater financial autonomy, a move that has sparked both excitement and skepticism among Albertans.

As many of you know, my journey has taken me from being a candidate for the United Conservative Party and the People’s Party of Canada to advocating for our province’s economic independence. My latest endeavor involves traversing Alberta, engaging with communities to shed light on why a provincial pension plan isn’t just feasible but fundamentally necessary for our economic prosperity.

During my discussion with Rebel News, captured in both an article and a must-watch video (accessible here: Rebel News Feature), we tackled the hard-hitting questions that concern us all. Why does Alberta contribute disproportionately to the CPP? Can we, and should we, establish our own pension plan? What legal battles might we face with the federal government over our contributions?

The answer to these queries stems from a place of fiscal responsibility and a deep dive into the economics that govern our contributions and potential withdrawals from the CPP. The stark reality is that Alberta has been the financial backbone of the CPP, contributing more than we could ever hope to reclaim under the current federal system.

Our conversation also touched on the sustainability of the CPP and the potential fallout for the plan should Alberta decide to opt-out. The critics have not shied away from voicing their opposition, often resorting to fear-mongering rather than presenting solid economic arguments. They frame the potential shift as an act of theft by Premier Danielle Smith, ignoring the glaring oversight that the current control over our pensions rests uncomfortably in the hands of Justin Trudeau—a situation many of us find untenable.

The essence of our debate boiled down to a simple question: Do Albertans place their trust in Danielle Smith’s vision for an Alberta Pension Plan (APP) or in the hands of the Trudeau government? This isn’t merely a question of preference but of who we believe can secure our financial future more effectively.

Moreover, we delved into why Alberta must continually advocate for what seems to be readily granted to other provinces, like Quebec. It’s a fight for equality, recognition, and the right to manage our resources and futures without disproportionate external control.

I urge you to engage with the full article and video on Rebel News to gain a comprehensive understanding of our discussions. It’s a conversation that affects us all, touching on the very core of our economic independence and future prosperity.

Let’s continue this conversation in our communities, online forums, and amongst our families. The decision we face is monumental, and it is only through informed dialogue that we can move forward confidently.

Warmly,

Nadine Wellwood