Alberta leaders are expressing frustration over Prime Minister Mark Carney's lack of decisive action on key issues affecting the province. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney, stating, "What he's doing right now is ragging the puck and trying to drag people along into believing he will one day do something." This sentiment reflects growing impatience among Albertans who are eager for tangible results, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

The political climate has shifted dramatically since Carney's election. Once a vocal critic of U.S. President Donald Trump, Carney has recently adopted a more conciliatory approach. His meeting with Trump at the White House in May raised eyebrows, as he has made concessions rather than taking a hardline stance. Poilievre noted that Carney's previous commitments to environmental policies, such as supporting carbon taxes and opposing the Northern Gateway pipeline, have not aligned with the expectations of many in Alberta.

Rebecca Schulz, Alberta's environment minister, echoed Poilievre's concerns. She questioned when Carney would announce changes to regulations that are perceived as hindering the province's economic growth. "When is Carney going to tell us no one person can block a pipeline?" Schulz asked, highlighting the urgency for action.

The call for Carney to prioritize Alberta's economic interests is growing louder. Poilievre emphasized that Carney's approach should not be about appeasing every dissenting voice. He stated, "We can’t wait until everybody is onside. There are some people out there who don’t believe Elvis is dead. You can’t get everybody to agree on any basic fact, even the basic fact we need a pipeline."

As Alberta continues to grapple with economic challenges, the pressure is mounting for Carney to take decisive steps to support the province's oil industry. Leaders in Alberta are hopeful that Carney will respond to their calls for action, rather than remaining passive in the face of mounting expectations.