MP Viersen Adds Support to the Equalization and Transfers Fairness Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2021

Barrhead, AB – On February 2, 2021, one day after Alberta MP Tom Kmiec introduced Bill C-263, the Equalization and Transfers Fairness Act, Peace River – Westlock MP Arnold Viersen added his name as a joint seconder. Bill C-263 strengthens principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in Canada’s equalization regime.
Bill C-263 will accomplish three important things:

• Removes the $170 per capita cap on stabilization
• Blocks the federal government from unilaterally changing the equalization formula
• Makes a successful referendum on equalization impossible to ignore.

Quotes:

“I am proud to jointly second MP Tom Kmiec’s Bill C-263. This act will ensure Albertans get a fair deal in Confederation.”

“Albertans have paid far more into Confederation than we have received out of it thanks to the enormous wealth of our natural resource sector, but our resources are vulnerable to crashes like the one in 2014.”

“We will work hard to pass this Bill so we can restore fairness to the Equalization system and help struggling provinces get the help they need.”

On Friday, February 12, 2021, MP Viersen will be holding a virtual townhall with MP Tom Kmiec to talk about this bill and answer any questions about it. To register, please email arnold.viersen.a4@parl.gc.ca.

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