The Alberta government is set to release its long-awaited report on whether the province should withdraw from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and establish its own provincial program. Premier Danielle Smith, along with Finance Minister Nate Horner and panel chair Jim Dinning, will unveil the report at a news conference in Calgary on Thursday. Both Smith and her predecessor, Jason Kenney, have praised the potential benefits of an independent program, citing Alberta’s wealth and relatively young population.
In spite of the report’s findings, Smith has stated that the final decision to abandon the CPP will ultimately rest with the people of Alberta, through a referendum. The Opposition NDP has accused Smith of engaging in political maneuvering by attempting to create another division between the provincial and federal governments. They have also argued that the proposal goes against public sentiment, as opinion polls indicate that the majority of Albertans oppose leaving the CPP.