Published Feb 16, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 23\u00a0hours ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n Debt damage<\/p>\n So Danielle Smith is warning Albertans we will likely be experiencing several years of budget deficits due to circumstances \u2018beyond her control.\u2019 But she will not be raising taxes or making cuts to offset those deficits. Kind of reminds one of 2015, when Rachel Notley\u2019s government was in the same situation, but with much lower Western crude prices to deal with, as well as the Fort McMurray fire. But conservatives being conservatives will find a way to justify Smith\u2019s plight, while continuing to label the NDP as a perennially inept fiscal government. Hypocrisy at its best.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Recommended Videos<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account and fewer ads.Get exclusive access to the Calgary Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Calgary Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account<\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n MARK PATTERSON<\/p>\n (We\u2019ll see how much red ink there is)<\/p>\n Story hits home<\/p>\n Just read Rick Bell\u2019s column about those leaving Alberta and fear of the separatist movement. (\u2018Hysteria over Alberta independence grows<\/a>,\u2019 Sun, Feb. 11) It reminds me of Ayn Rand\u2019s novel Atlas Shrugged. Let the entrepreneurs go on strike. It is a good read with many parallels to today\u2019s circumstances.<\/p>\n DICK VARLEY, Okotoks<\/p>\n (Rick calls \u2019em as he sees \u2019em)<\/p>\n Time to listen<\/p>\n Not sure if separation of Alberta is a bad or good idea, but listening to either Nenshi and his NDP or Eby from B.C., I have suggestions for them. Given the track record of their policies, ideas and their disastrous results, I would suggest to them maybe listen and think. Because if someone is trying to remedy, correct or change a system that is clearly not in favour of the Canadian population\u2019s well being, maybe it is worth at least considering the possibilities. Maybe a better idea would be to get B.C. and Saskatchewan on board with Alberta, separate from the rest of Canada and form a new country out of these three. Can you imagine?<\/p>\n Calgary Sun Headline News<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n MICHAL SOCH<\/p>\n (Don\u2019t think B.C., in particular, would be much interested in partnering with Alberta)<\/p>\n About the treaties\u2026<\/p>\n In regards to the chiefs of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 claiming the referendum for Alberta separation is unconstitutional and no province can override their desire to remain in Canada, there are a couple of things that they need to consider. If Alberta separates, it will no longer be a province of Canada, and unless otherwise agreed, there will be no such thing as Canadian federal lands, including First Nations reserves. By their own admission, the treaty chiefs do not have any signed treaties with Alberta and will have no choice but to negotiate terms with the Republic of Alberta as the Supreme Court of Canada or any other court of Canada will not have any jurisdiction over Alberta.<\/p>\n GLENN W. HARRISON<\/p>\n (The powers that be have suggested the treaties would still be honoured)<\/p>\n Raise the driving age<\/p>\n (Re: Bell \u2013 \u2018Atrocious\u2019<\/a> Calgary Police Chief slams brutal city driving,\u2019 calgarysun.com) Perhaps raising the legal age to operate a motor vehicle in this province from 16 to 18 years would be a positive start? This would include increasing the age to obtain a learner\u2019s permit from 15 to 17 years as well. Absolutely nothing to lose, but everything to gain.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n DONALD K. MUNROE<\/p>\n (Perhaps better testing & training?)<\/p>\n RIP, James<\/p>\n Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of James Van Der Beek<\/a>. He was amazing in Dawson\u2019s Creek and Varsity Blues. Sending condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing. RIP, James.<\/p>\n PAUL BACON, Hallandale Beach, Fla.<\/p>\n (Another talent lost too soon)<\/p>\n Trump\u2019s fault<\/p>\n![\"Smith](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/first-ministers-danielle-smith.jpg\")
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith takes part in a press conference following a First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa in this photo from Jan. 29, 2026. Photo by Blair Gable \/Postmedia archiveArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Calgary](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.5.4\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-csun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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