The world needs more Alberta ag, the speech says
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Alberta’s agriculture sector received multiple mentions during the Nov. 29 Speech from the Throne.
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Salma Lakhani read the speech, which charts out the priorities for Premier Danielle Smith and her government.
When speaking about jobs and the economy, Lakhani cited agriculture as a cornerstone of Alberta which can’t be forgotten about.
“The government must also support the economic sectors that have brought so much continued wealth and prosperity to our great province,” the speech says. “Alberta’s foundational industries of agriculture and energy produce what the world needs most: food and clean, dependable energy.”
In the same section of the speech, Lakhani said Albertans will “never be ashamed of feeding and powering the world. In fact, now more than ever, the world needs more Alberta energy and agriculture, and this government is going to make sure that is exactly what happens.”
Reducing interprovincial trade barriers and improving Alberta’s irrigation network will help achieve these goals, Lakhani added.
Another mention of agriculture came when Lakhani outlined why the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act is an important piece of legislation.
“Whether it be Ottawa restricting the use of fertilizer by our farmers…the government will not enforce any unconstitutional federal measure or policy within the boundaries of Alberta going forward,” the throne speech says.
In terms of supporting rural Alberta in general, Premier Smith’s government commits to the expansion of high-speed rural broadband services.