December 6, 2024
As the Alberta Legislature wraps up its fall session, we’re keeping tabs on Canadians’ collective eye-roll over President-Elect Trump’s joke about Canada joining the U.S. as the 51st state. Meanwhile, Premier Smith is busy steering Alberta through the choppy waters of U.S. tariffs, the province is unveiling exciting new strides in economic diversification, and—much to the delight of lead-footed drivers—Alberta’s government is dialling back photo radar on highways.
What We're Watching
Sorry, Eh?: Trump Floats Canada becoming the 51st U.S. State
President-Elect Donald Trump’s latest jab at Canada, remarking the country should become the 51st U.S. State, has led to mixed reactions, ranging from confusion to good humour to outrage. Trump’s comment was made during his recent dinner with Prime Minister Trudeau last Friday. Trudeau—who made the unexpected trip to the President-Elect’s Mar-a-Lago estate to discuss the threat of 25 per cent tariffs—likely expected the majority of buzz on their dinner to focus on the positive relationship his government was fostering with the incoming administration; however, Trump’s comments seem to have stolen the limelight in the media cycle.
In Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith was asked for her thoughts Wednesday. In a moment of alignment with the federal government, Premier Smith said she also took the comments in good humour, going as far as to say she thought “President Trump is hilarious.” At the same time, the Premier didn’t take her eye off the ball. She quickly reiterated that the proposed tariffs pose an existential threat to both the Canadian and American economies. Smith underscored the tariffs’ impacts, noting that even just a 10 per cent tariff would lead to nearly $17 billion in economic harm, and so a 25 per cent tariff would impose “extraordinary hardship.” ?
Why This Matters
Pundits have taken Trump’s comments as representative of the ongoing struggle over his proposed tariffs – that he simply doesn’t care how they could impact one of the U.S.’ closest allies and trade partners.
Not one to sit back, Premier Danielle Smith has taken the wheel in sustaining a positive trade relationship with the U.S. for Alberta. Since Donald Trump’s election win and his tariff announcement, she has planned several trips to the U.S. This includes attending the Western Governors’ Association’s winter meeting in Las Vegas that intends to help inform future policy development. She also plans to attend Trump’s inauguration and is in contact with U.S. governors. Alberta has also had representation in Washington, D.C. since 2005 to promote its interests directly to the U.S. government, which the Premier also intends to further leverage moving forward. The Premier appeared on Fox News to discuss gasoline affordability for Americans, by developing new pipelines to U.S. refineries. These appearances increase public awareness of Alberta and the industrial benefits the province has to offer.
Some argue that Alberta forming a more direct and independent relationship with the U.S., as pursued by Smith, could ultimately benefit the entire country by safeguarding Alberta’s economic interests and enhancing its trade security. Others prefer attempting to deliver a “United Canada” approach and believe that the province should forgo their current issues with the federal government to stand against Trump’s tariffs.
Premier Smith walks a tightrope—defending Alberta’s interests by avoiding criticism or outright rebukes against Trump’s policies or more outlandish commentary, while simultaneously opposing policies that could harm the province and the nation.
Go Deeper
This article from CBC News provides a national perspective on Trump’s comments, while this article from Fox News provides an American perspective. The Edmonton Journal provides a deeper look at opinions from Albertans, including more on the Premier’s position.
Slow Down: Photo Radar Reduction in Alberta
On Monday, Alberta’s transportation minister Devin Dreeshen announced that the province would end photo radar on provincial highways except for designated school, playground, and construction zones. The government plans to cut photo radar sites by 70%, from 2,200 to 650, by April 1, 2025. Photo radar locations will be reviewed and those found to be ineffective, or outside of designated zones, will be removed.
There are currently 24 municipalities in Alberta still using photo radar, with an estimated annual revenue generation of $145 million – revenue the government believes comes at the expense of public trust. The government has, however, made provisions for municipalities to be able to request the use of photo radar along other roads if they can show evidence of a high frequency of collisions, but are encouraged to explore alternative safety measures first such as electronic speed warning signs. Additionally, the government will allocate funding to municipalities to support the re-engineering of unsafe roads. ?
Why This Matters
For Albertans, the debate about reducing photo radar is about more than just its effectiveness; it speaks to broader concerns about how road safety is managed and whether it is being driven by evidence-based decisions that prioritize public well-being.
On one side, the Alberta government contends that photo radar has evolved from a safety tool into a revenue generator, particularly when deployed in areas that do not show a clear need for increased enforcement. They argue that photo radar can disproportionately target drivers without addressing the root causes of unsafe driving. Moreover, they suggest that municipalities could adopt alternative, less punitive approaches—such as electronic speed signs, improved signage, or road re-engineering—to promote safer driving habits without the reliance on fines. These alternatives, they argue, could foster a more positive relationship with the public while still addressing safety concerns.
On the other hand, supporters of photo radar emphasize its role in improving road safety, especially in high-risk areas where traditional police patrols are less effective or feasible. The Calgary Police Commission in particular warns that scaling back photo radar could lead to an uptick in accidents, as automated enforcement is often seen as a deterrent to speeding and reckless driving. The concern is that traditional methods—like increasing police presence—may not be as effective or as efficient in preventing accidents and could result in fewer resources being available to monitor roads consistently.
At the heart of this debate is the question of how to balance road safety with fairness and the efficient use of public resources. While photo radar may have its flaws, its role in addressing driver behaviour and improving road safety is a key concern for many. At the same time, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative approaches that could achieve the same goal of reducing accidents and saving lives while addressing public concerns about fairness and over-reliance on fines.
Ultimately, Albertans are united in their desire for safer roads, but the best method for achieving that goal remains to be determined.
Go Deeper?
This article from CBC News provides insight into Alberta’s decision to reduce photo radar sites in Alberta.
Question Period - Top Issues?
On the Order Paper
Government Bills and Orders
Second Reading
Bill 208 Psycho-Educational Assessment Access Act
Bill 209 Reconciliation Implementation Act
Bill 210 Employment Standards (Protecting Workers’ Tips) Amendment Act, 2024
Bill 211 Arts and Creative Economy Advisory Council Act
Bill 212 Organ and Tissue Donor Information Agreement Act
Bill 213 Cancer Care Delivery Standards Act
Bill 214 Eastern Slopes Protection Act
Bill 215 Prohibiting Ownership of Agricultural Lands Act
Committee of the Whole
Bill 206 Child and Youth Advocate (Parent and Guardian Advisor) Amendment Act, 2024
Public Bills and Orders Other Than Government Bills and Orders
N/A
Bills Awaiting Royal Assent
N/A
Schedule of the Legislature
The house rose on Wednesday, December 4, which officially ended the fall session of the legislature. The spring session will commence in February.