OTTAWA — Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney floated a bold new idea Thursday: a full federal takeover of Alberta’s economy, with all major decisions first reviewed and approved in Ontario.
Speaking to reporters in Toronto, Carney said the move would “bring Alberta in line with the rest of the country” and “ensure economic consistency from coast to coast, but mostly east of Manitoba.”
Under the proposal, Alberta’s budget, resource projects and even provincial grant programs would be vetted by a new federal oversight committee headquartered in downtown Toronto. Carney suggested that the committee could meet “once a year in Calgary for optics,” but stressed that “real economic leadership” would remain in Ontario.
“I understand Albertans have a strong sense of independence,” Carney said. “That’s why we’ll make sure they have every opportunity to provide feedback, which will be carefully filed and considered after Ontario weighs in.”
The plan would also include a transition package for Alberta, with funds earmarked for “modern economic growth,” such as financial literacy seminars, bike lane feasibility studies and small-batch kombucha breweries.
Asked how Albertans might respond, Carney smiled and said, “We’re confident they’ll adapt — especially once they realize how much easier it is to run an economy when you don’t get to run it at all.”
Disclaimer: This article is a work of satire. It is not a factual news report and should not be interpreted as real events or statements.
