Premier Danielle Smith at Mar-a-Lago. Photo via X

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Danielle Smith says she believes in Canada, but her government’s actions tell a different story. Alberta is weakening Canada’s bargaining power while strengthening the position of the U.S. government.

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If Alberta truly wanted to defend both provincial and national interests, it could support a temporary export tax on oil. The federal revenue collected could be returned entirely to Alberta. With a possible international oil crisis and the U.S. midterm elections approaching, this would give Canada greater leverage in negotiations.

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Instead, Alberta’s government appears to be on Team Trump and aligned with the MAGA agenda. This helps separatists advance their cause by weakening and dividing Canada without ever having to win a referendum.

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Mike Hendzel, Edmonton

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Why did Danielle Smith implement the $100 Alberta energy rebate program? And then make the online application process so difficult to complete, with no telephone helpline? Many residents, including seniors, lack computer access, so they must drive to a support centre or a library for assistance, which is not feasible for many.

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This rebate was meant for all qualifying residents, but due to the confusion of applying, many will lose out. In January 2006, premier Ralph Klein issued and mailed $400 bonus cheques to residents of Alberta. This could have been handled the same way using the CRA revenue database. Everyone who filed 2025 tax would automatically receive the $100 in their bank account or other ways. That would be very simple. Or was there another reason to complicate the whole process?

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Karen Sorensen, Edmonton

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Letters welcome

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