Dear Friends and Supporters,

Watch the full interview below:

In a candid conversation on provincial autonomy and Alberta’s future, I recently had the privilege to sit down with Maxime Bernier, the founder of the People’s Party of Canada and a steadfast advocate for provincial rights. With his rich background in law, finance, banking, and politics, Maxime brought an invaluable perspective to our discussion on the Alberta Pension Plan and the broader quest for provincial autonomy.

Our dialogue revolved around Alberta’s bold step towards self-determination—a referendum on whether to remain with the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or to forge our path with an Alberta Pension Plan. Maxim’s initial reaction was one of support and enthusiasm for Alberta’s endeavor towards more autonomy, aligning perfectly with his vision of a radically decentralized Canada where provinces have the sovereignty to manage their affairs, including pension plans and police forces.

The federal government’s predictable resistance to Alberta’s proposal was no surprise to either of us. The current political climate in Ottawa, under both the Liberals and Conservatives, favors centralization and control, often at the expense of provincial rights and autonomy. Yet, Maxime emphasized that Alberta has both the legal authority and moral right to pursue its own pension plan, drawing parallels to Quebec’s longstanding independence in managing its pension system.

Our conversation also tackled the challenges of negotiation with the federal government and other provinces. Maxime acknowledged the complexities involved but remained optimistic about Alberta’s ability to navigate these waters, emphasizing the importance of strong provincial support and strategic pressure on the Conservative Party of Canada to take a clear stance on this issue.

Furthermore, Maxime criticized the fear-mongering tactics employed by opponents of the Alberta Pension Plan, dismissing claims that the government could somehow “steal” pensions as baseless and emotionally driven. Instead, he called for a rational, fact-based discussion that respects the intelligence and rights of Albertans.

One of the more enlightening aspects of our talk was Maxime’s insight into the operations of the CPP Investment Board (CPPIB) and its supposed independence. We explored how federal influence seeps into its decision-making processes, particularly concerning investments that align with current political agendas, such as decarbonization and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This veers away from the board’s core mandate to provide the best return on investment for Canadians, an issue Alberta can address by establishing its own pension plan.

Maxime’s unwavering support for Alberta’s quest for autonomy, combined with his critique of federal overreach and manipulation, reinforces the necessity of our fight. It’s a fight not just for a pension plan but for the very soul of our province and our right to decide our destiny without external coercion.

As we move forward, it’s crucial that we rally together, informed and empowered by the facts, to make a compelling case for a referendum on an Alberta Pension Plan. This referendum is more than a vote on a financial mechanism; it’s a declaration of our commitment to autonomy, fairness, and the betterment of Alberta and its people.

I urge you to engage with this conversation, share your thoughts, and stand with us as we advocate for a future where Alberta’s prosperity is in our hands. Together, we can shape a future that honors our rights, our resources, and our resolve.

Yours in the fight for Alberta’s future,

Nadine Wellwood

Watch the full video below: