Kenney promises vote on equalization in 2021 if no pipeline progress

CALGARY – The leader of Alberta’s United Conservatives is promising a referendum on equalization if there’s no major progress on market-opening pipelines.

Jason Kenney says if he becomes premier the matter would be put to voters on Oct. 18, 2021 — the same date as the next municipal elections in Alberta.

The federal equalization program is meant to even out fiscal disparities between so-called “have” and “have-not” provinces.

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Despite its economic doldrums, Alberta remains a “have” province.

Kenney says Albertans can no longer tolerate other governments benefiting from Alberta resources while doing everything they can to block development.

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He is also vowing to take Ottawa to court if a contentious federal bill on resource project reviews becomes law and to block energy shipments to any province that block pipelines.