Alberta Wants to Fix Equalization | Calgary News

Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith is pushing to overhaul Canada’s equalization program, targeting the controversial “escalator” clause that automatically boosts payments with economic growth. She argues that thriving economies should need less federal support—not more—and wants payments tied to actual need, with leftover funds distributed per capita. Smith also insists Ontario, as a wealthy province, shouldn’t receive equalization money, sparking debate over fairness. While the program, enshrined in the Constitution since 1982, aims to ensure all provinces can offer similar public services, economists warn the escalator has led to billions in overpayments. Though Albertans voted to remove equalization from the Constitution, only federal action can change the formula—and the next review is due before March 31, 2029. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/fec9d66658af581e