Braid: Time for Smith to take economic action against Liberal Ottawa, and make it sting

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith needs to take immediate economic action to protest Ottawa's inaction on issues critical to Albertans, says the province's largest business organization.

During her state of the province address, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pledged to fight Justin Trudeau's "egregious attacks on the province," mentioning the federal government's environmental and economic policies.

Speaking at the Business Council of Alberta in Calgary, Smith said she was prepared to use every tool at her disposal, including court challenges, to push the federal Liberals into considering Alberta's economic concerns.

She noted the federal carbon tax and the federal government's Bill C-69 as two pieces of legislation impeding the province's economy. Bill C-69 has been criticized by energy industry groups, who say it creates too much uncertainty for resource development.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take action on issues critical to Albertans, including the federal carbon tax and Bill C-69.

"We're not going to stand back and let Ottawa keep dragging its feet on issues that are critical to our province," Smith said.

She said the province has been "patient" with the federal government, but that patience has run out.

"We're going to start using every tool at our disposal to make sure that Ottawa understands that we're serious about getting a fair deal for Alberta," Smith said.

The Business Council of Alberta supports Premier Smith's call for action.

The Business Council of Alberta is urging Premier Smith to take immediate economic action to protest Ottawa's inaction on issues critical to Albertans.

"We've been saying for months that the federal government needs to do more to support Alberta's economy," said council president and CEO Adam Legge.

"We're pleased to see that the premier is finally taking action, and we urge her to make it sting."

Legge said the council is particularly concerned about the impact of the federal carbon tax on Alberta's economy.

"The carbon tax is killing jobs and making it harder for businesses to compete," Legge said.

"The federal government needs to scrap the carbon tax and replace it with a plan that actually reduces emissions."

Legge also said the council is concerned about the impact of Bill C-69 on Alberta's energy industry.

"Bill C-69 is making it harder for energy companies to build pipelines and other infrastructure," Legge said. "This is costing Alberta jobs and investment."

Legge said the council is urging the premier to take immediate action to address these issues.

"We need the premier to use every tool at her disposal to make sure that the federal government understands that we're serious about getting a fair deal for Alberta," Legge said.