Photo courtesy of Alex McCuaig - Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes talks about his appointment to the provincial Fair Deal Panel.

By Alex McCuaig

Fair Deal Panel

Barnes talks fair deal with Canada after being named to provincial panel

Nov 10, 2019 | 5:57 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes says he’s looking forward to bringing the concerns he has heard locally to the provincial stage after being named to the Fair Deal Panel on Saturday.

Premier Jason Kenney made the panel announcement oin a wide-ranging speech at the Manning Centre conference in Red Deer.

The panel’s mandate, in part, is to consider creating a provincial pension plan to replace the CPP, playing a larger role in international relations, creation of an Alberta chief firearms office, garnering greater tax collection powers and re-establishing a provincial police service

“It’s about asking for the fairest deal possible,” said Barnes on Sunday.

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As for whether the move will tamp down calls for Alberta separation, Barnes said, “I think it will. There is a lot of fear right now. There is a lot of fear in Alberta, a lot of fear in Cypress-Medicine Hat at a time when demand for oil is growing. . .we’re under curtailment.”

The panel will allow the province to work towards, “a little more independence for Alberta but within Canada,” said Barnes.

Barnes said the panel will be touring at least seven Alberta communities where he expects provincial residents will voice their opinions, “and then make sure something happens.”

The provincial panel will conduct public consultations between Nov. 16 and Jan. 30 with a final report to government expected to be delivered by March 31.