STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Photo Courtesy Canadian Press
By Tanner Smith with files from The Canadian Press
Provincial Politics

Tensions run high at Alberta Next Panel

Aug 15, 2025 | 10:04 AM

What is being deemed an “emotionally charged” meeting of the Alberta Next Panel took place in Edmonton last night (Thursday, Aug. 14).

Some in attendance expressed anger and profanity during the town hall, as well as challenges to Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party government that weren’t on the agenda.

Some obscenities heard through the live stream and circulating on social media today weren’t just about separation, but questioned the provincial government’s relationship with the United States and President Donald Trump; as one attendee was heard yelling, “go back to Mar-a-lago with the pedophile.”

The aim of the panel was to brainstorm future referendum questions and responses to Alberta’s grievances with the federal government.

Grande Prairie was brought up during one of the topics, as the government polled the crowd on their thoughts of a province-wide municipal police force transition.

More meetings are scheduled throughout the summer, including in the next two weeks in Lloydminster and Fort McMurray.

An Alberta Next Panel is scheduled to visit Grande Prairie on Sept. 17, 2025.

by Tanner Smith with files from The Canadian Press