The Alberta legislature building (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Fair Deal Panel’s work comes in at 43 percent under budget

Aug 18, 2020 | 10:33 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The Fair Deal Panel didn’t spend as much money as expected.

The panel was established by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney in response to frustrations voiced by citizens, who believe the province’s voice is not being heard by the federal government.

The panel conducted town hall-style meetings across the province to hear concerns from residents.

Thousands of Albertans participated in an online survey and sent in submissions online and via email.

The Fair Deal Panel’s report includes 25 recommendations to ensure a stronger voice for Alberta.

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The province has revealed that the total costs associated with the panel’s work came to less than $375,000. That’s almost 43 percent under budget.

A detailed breakdown of the funding can be found here.

The province says it’s already started work on multiple initiatives related to the recommendations included in the panel’s report.

This includes moving forward on reforming the Fiscal Stabilization Program, establishing a provincial chief firearms officers and working with other provinces and territories to explore the development of economic resource corridors to move Albertan products to market.

The provincial government has also committed to holding a referendum on equalization.

More information on the government’s response to the report can be found here.

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