The Wildrose Party has appointed a panel of four experts to find out if Alberta and other provinces are giving, or receiving, their fair share of equalization payments.
Official opposition leader Brian Jean said the government needs to be prepared heading into negotiations on the policy.
According to Jean it’s about putting “proactive solutions” forward during a time when the economy is on the minds of Albertans. He also pointed out that Alberta hasn’t received an equalization payment from the federal government since 1963.
“Albertans have been the largest contributors, paying $530 per person, per year,” Jean said. “More than $2 billion comes from Albertans on that transfer alone.”
Jean also pointed out that Quebec is set to receive a total of $9.5 billion in equalization payments in 2016.
The panel of economic experts are from across Canada and will volunteer their time to create a report on the issue – expected to be tabled in the legislature this fall.
Alberta’s current equalization agreement ends in 2019.
With files from Nicole Weisberg
