Letter: More control for government, fewer rights for Albertans

By Letter to the Editor on March 5, 2026.

Dear editor,

I find the current UCP government practice of engaging in grievance politics distressing. There are Albertans who have grievances they feel have not been seriously, or respectfully, addressed by the Federal Government. I understand that. However, I am currently more concerned about what is happening right now in Alberta.

While Albertans are busy fighting against each other, using inflammatory language, frantically signing petitions, or blaming the Liberals for everything, the UCP government quietly continues to pass legislation aligned with the Free Alberta Strategy.

In aggressively pursuing their ideology, UCP actions to date have contributed to a ballooning deficit that has little to show for improving the day-to-day lives of Albertans.

I do not support the Free Alberta Strategy nor its related ideology. Aside from moving us away from a healthy, functioning democracy, this “play book” has another serious flaw. It references Albertans as though we are merely a commodity that government needs to manage.

If you are not familiar with the document, it makes for a riveting read. A government is elected to serve the people, not themselves, and the money they are spending is taxpayers’ money.

I believe under this UCP government we are less free. There is more centralized decision making by government, including more control over municipal decision making.

This has resulted in higher administrative costs. There are ongoing attempts to enact legislation to erode the checks and balances that keep systems in check. As each day goes by, I worry Albertans will lose more individual rights and freedoms.

Linda Johnston

Medicine Hat

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