Alberta finance minister says he has not 'flip-flopped' on proposed pension change

Finance Minister Nate Horner — after promising any stand-alone Alberta pension plan would not follow the contentious Quebec model, then saying it might, then saying it won't — told reporters Friday that possibility is back on the table.

Finance Minister Nate Horner — after promising any stand-alone Alberta pension plan would not follow the contentious Quebec model, then saying it might, then saying it won't — told reporters Friday that possibility is back on the table.

Horner rejected suggestions he was sending mixed messages, but the Opposition NDP called it another example of how the United Conservative government is crafting key policies on the back of a napkin as it examines having Alberta leave the Canada Pension Plan.

“I have never flip-flopped on this issue,” Horner told reporters at the legislature as he and Jim Dinning, the chair of the province’s pension engagement panel, delivered an update on the public consultation process.

“If Albertans were to come back … and say this (the Quebec model) is exactly what they want, they would have to have that conversation with the government of the day.”

Quebec runs its own pension system, with a dual mandate to maximize fund returns but also invest in the province.

Some Albertans have expressed concern to Dinning’s panel that, should Alberta adopt the Quebec model, pension benefits could be at risk through politically driven investment in dicey pet projects and sweetheart business deals.

Horner initially put those concerns to rest on Oct. 12, telling the Ryan Jespersen online show the Quebec model was out and that there would be legislation to confirm that.