Alberta is laying the groundwork for a new bitumen pipeline to B.C.'s northwest coast. But Danielle Smith's government's plan isn't just about a pipeline -- it's a test of political will.

In this week's episode of West of Centre, our panel digs into how this proposed project is a bold political play by the premier that's straight out of a "choose your own adventure" gamebook, with two very different endings. The push for a new West Coast pipeline and a new, grand bargain with Ottawa is Smith's preferred path. The premier expects that pipeline to be on the list of the next round of major projects that the federal government unveils by Grey Cup. But what happens if this plan fails? The push toward Alberta's sovereignty, an idea that's been getting new oxygen at the Alberta Next panel consultations, could be the next path.

Host Kathleen Petty is joined this week by Rick Bell, a columnist with Postmedia; Rob Breakenridge, a columnist and podcast host at The Line; and pollster and political analyst Janet Brown. They break down how this isn't just a political story; it's about the very identity of Alberta.

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Rick Bell, Rob Breakenridge, Janet Brown

Is “pragmatism” a good principle when it comes to tackling climate change? What does this big buzzword adopted by the Prime Minister and others in his government even mean, anyway?

As the Canadian Climate Institute concludes there’s no way Canada will meet its emission reduction targets for 2030 or even 2035, our expert panel dives into the disconnect between the country’s net-zero targets and the lack of a clear, short-term plan to get there.

West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Bill Whitelaw, executive director of Rextag; climate policy strategist Jeremy van Loon; and Globe and Mail energy reporter Emma Graney. They examine the effectiveness of key initiatives, including the Pathways Alliance carbon capture project, the evolution of industrial carbon pricing, and how the concept of “pragmatism” fits into the politics of it all.

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Diane Yanko | Guests: Bill Whitelaw, Emma Graney, Jeremy van Loon

The Alberta government is making headlines with its plan to add a “CAN” citizenship marker to driver’s licences, a move Premier Danielle Smith says will safeguard elections and improve efficiency. At the same time, she’s pressing for greater provincial control over immigration, even as the province faces the threat of a teachers’ strike, a ballooning deficit and renewed talk of sovereignty.

West of Centre host Kathleen Petty explores whether Smith is energizing her base or distracting from core issues with Real Talk podcast host Ryan Jespersen, former Tory aide Tom Olsen, and ex-Trudeau adviser Jessie Chahal. The panel weighs whether the UCP government’s priorities align with what Albertans really want.

Host: Kathleen Petty | Producer & editor: Falice Chin | Guests: Ryan Jespersen, Tom Olsen, Jessie Chahal