CALGARY, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation launched the Fight Equalization campaign to oppose equalization in the provincial referendum being held on Oct. 18, 2021.

“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau isn’t going to hand Alberta a fair deal on a silver platter,” said Franco Terrazzano, the CTF’s Alberta Director. “Albertans will need to fight for a fair deal and the equalization referendum is a crucial part of our fight for fairness.”

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney promised to hold a referendum regarding the federal equalization program on Oct. 18, 2021, following the recommendation from the Fair Deal Panel.

The Fight Equalization campaign is committed to winning the referendum to oppose the equalization status quo and to get a fair deal.

A provincial referendum that results in a clear majority on a clear question would push the federal government and provinces to the constitutional negotiating table, as explained by former Alberta finance minister Ted Morton, and confirmed by Alberta’s Fair Deal Panel report.

Since 1961, Alberta taxpayers have paid more than $600 billion more to the federal government than the province has received back from Ottawa. Equalization is a key part of this problem, costing Alberta taxpayers $28 billion between 2008 and 2017.

“Alberta taxpayers are tired of being treated as the cash cow for the rest of Canada and that’s why we are leading the campaign to win the equalization referendum and get a fair deal,” said Terrazzano. “The equalization referendum is our chance to tell Trudeau that the status quo must change.”

You can view the Fight Equalization campaign website here.