- The first two Alberta Next panels, held in Red Deer and Sherwood Park, drew strong crowds eager to push back against Ottawa’s overreach and assert greater provincial autonomy. Premier Danielle Smith was met with enthusiastic support as she floated the idea of Alberta exiting Canada’s supply management system for dairy and poultry - potentially establishing a provincial alternative. She framed the move as both a sovereignty initiative and a way to challenge federal and Quebec dominance in the system. Smith highlighted Alberta’s inequitable share of national quotas, receiving less than 9% despite making up over 11% of the population. Her remarks come amid growing public frustration, including the recent jailing of an Alberta egg farmer over quota violations. While supply management wasn’t an official agenda item at the panels, it’s quickly becoming a key flashpoint in Alberta’s fight for fairness.
- Also at the Red Deer town hall, Premier Danielle Smith proposed reopening Canada’s Constitution to address long-standing concerns about federal overreach and fiscal fairness, urging other Premiers to consider launching formal constitutional talks. It’s the first serious call for such negotiations since the failed Charlottetown Accord in 1992. Smith acknowledged the risks - warning that constitutional talks could invite unwanted changes from other provinces - but said there’s growing interest in tackling issues like equalization payments and provincial autonomy.
- Alberta is injecting $2.8 billion into its Heritage Savings Trust Fund, bringing the fund's total to a record $30 billion as part of a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on volatile oil revenues. Premier Danielle Smith says the aim is to grow the fund to at least $250 billion by 2050, at which point the Province could use up to $10 billion annually in interest without depleting the principal. The government has also mandated that all fund returns be reinvested, rather than used for immediate spending. A new corporation, chaired by Joe Lougheed, will oversee the fund and pursue strategic global investments. Finance Minister Nate Horner says the plan is the most effective path yet to stabilize Alberta's finances and reduce tax pressure. Alberta is also reforming its broader investment approach, including changes to its pension fund manager. The Heritage Fund’s management team will be based in Calgary and work alongside other global sovereign wealth funds. Despite a recent budget surplus, the Province is now projecting a $5.2 billion deficit, partly due to falling oil prices.
- A new six-month pilot program in Alberta allows 13 casinos to serve alcohol 24 hours a day, aligning liquor service hours with slot machine operations. Launched on July 1st by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC), the trial requires participating casinos to restrict alcohol service to gaming areas and ensure responsible service through the presence of trained staff. Additional safety measures include maintaining overnight incident logs and prohibiting off-sales during extended hours. While AGLC notes that 24-hour alcohol service is already allowed in certain venues like airports, the pilot has raised concerns from MADD Canada, which is calling for more inspections and enhanced staff training. The program’s results will be assessed after six months to determine whether the changes should become permanent.
- Alberta has also expanded its cannabis retail policy to allow sales at public events where minors are present, provided the sales occur in designated minors-prohibited areas. Previously, cannabis sales were only allowed at adult-only events, but the new directive - issued June 25th by the Ministry of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction - broadens that scope. Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) clarified that the new policy only permits sales, not consumption, and any cannabis consumption at events must be approved by municipalities. Events such as Rockin’ Thunder and Country Thunder will feature cannabis sales this summer under the updated rules. Retailers must still comply with provincial and municipal regulations, and event organizers have discretion over allowing cannabis sales. The policy aims to give legal retailers more flexibility while maintaining safeguards to prevent access by minors. Industry stakeholders welcomed the change, calling it a natural evolution for responsible cannabis retail.