Canada’s energy future is at a crossroads. While leadership promotes an “energy superpower” strategy, emerging climate finance mandates risk sidelining conventional energy sectors through tougher financing rules buried within policy frameworks. These shifts could challenge energy firms & reduce competitiveness unless strategic reforms & clearer policy coordination are pursued to harmonize climate goals with economic resilience.
The GST credit, renamed the Canada Groceries & Essentials Benefit, receives a 50% boost in its first year and a 25% lift for the following four. While framed as a relief for low income Canadians facing soaring food costs, opponents argue the program merely repackages an existing rebate – groceries are already tax free – into a new liberal leaning social handout.
A shifting global landscape is being reshaped by rising great‑power competition, economic weaponisation, and waning faith in traditional multilateral institutions. Middle‑power nations are urged to form flexible coalitions and pursue pragmatic, value‑based realism to safeguard stability, trade, and security amid an emerging “world of fortresses.”
Mark Carney’s decisive break from reliance on the United States outlines how his recent speeches frame the post American era as a period of fragmented norms and renewed sovereign strategy. Middle powers must abandon nostalgic assumptions, adopt pragmatic partnerships, and confront a rupturing global order that no longer guarantees prosperity or security.
The 2026 economic forecast for Canada is marked by significant headwinds. While a proposed $80 billion deficit program is intended to spark short‑term growth, enduring trade and regulatory challenges must be resolved. Success will depend on swift, coordinated policy action that stabilizes rules, accelerates project timelines and convinces investors to keep capital in Canada.
This week, Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore fresh pipeline infrastructure – a rare alignment of Alberta and Ottawa. As Rational Optimists, Albertans seize the chance, recognizing that expanded pipeline capacity, stronger federal provincial ties, and a thriving Alberta are essential pillars of Canada’s long term prosperity.
Bill C 5 may dominate headlines, but the real story for Alberta lies in how the legislation reshapes project approvals, Indigenous consultation and inter provincial dynamics. Policymakers, investors and community leaders must look past the sound bite and examine the bill’s procedural shortcuts, fiscal implications and the province’s capacity to protect its energy corridor while respecting Indigenous rights.
Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) is committed to strengthening Alberta’s economy through collaboration and respect. In a recent letter to Prime Minister Carney, AEG President Catherine Brownlee expressed support for renewed cooperation between Alberta and Ottawa – highlighting shared goals in energy development, innovation, and fairness for all Canadians. AEG believes that true prosperity means opportunity for every Albertan. Together, we can build a stronger, more united future for our province and our country.
Canada’s unemployment rate is rising faster than in the U.S., and many blame Prime Minister Carney’s extended foreign trips and lack of decisive domestic action. Critics are demanding an end to his “unearned vacation” and urging swift progress on Canada’s energy‑superpower goals, renewed tariff negotiations, and the removal of red‑tape that stalls vital projects from Alberta to the Prairies.
Premier Danielle Smith’s West Coast pipeline plan puts Canada’s federation to the test. With the world’s third largest oil reserves in Alberta, unlocking this market could deliver billions in jobs, tax revenue, and national prosperity – provided the federal government and provinces work together. At AEG we back this partnership as the cornerstone of a stronger, unified Canada.
