Title: Smith Engages Supportive Crowd at Final Alberta Next Town Hall

Premier Danielle Smith addressed a large and mostly supportive audience at the final Alberta Next in-person town hall held at Spruce Meadows in Calgary on Monday night. The event attracted approximately 1,100 attendees, making it the largest gathering of the ten town halls conducted across the province.

Smith's message focused on Alberta's autonomy and the need to confront the federal government. Many in the audience responded positively, with some expressing that the United Conservative Party (UCP) government should take even bolder steps. One attendee challenged the panel, stating, "The provinces should collect all of the tax revenues and only pay the federal government for the services we actually receive. The question is, why hasn’t this been done already?"

In response, Smith acknowledged the idea, calling it "a wonderful idea but Quebec hasn’t even been able to figure how to do it."

However, not all attendees shared the same enthusiasm. Calgary Ward 3 Councillor Jasmine Mian voiced her concerns, emphasizing that Alberta taxpayers are in a privileged position and should contribute to equalization payments that support less affluent provinces.

The town hall highlighted the ongoing debate in Alberta regarding its relationship with the federal government and the province's financial responsibilities. Smith's remarks and the audience's reactions underscored the complexities of provincial autonomy and fiscal policy in Canada.