Alberta Premier Smith calls out federal interference in Edmonton housing rules

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith accused the federal government of interfering in Edmonton's housing regulations on a call-in radio show. She claimed the province reversed zoning bylaw changes made by Edmonton in 2024 due to federal influence. Smith alleged that Ottawa provided Edmonton with millions in funding in exchange for the zoning changes that allowed building of multi-unit complexes in established neighborhoods.

She called Ottawa's funding a form of bribery and said it disrupted the home building process in the city. The province has given Edmonton three months to reverse the 2024 changes. The mayors of Alberta's two major cities have criticized the reversal, with Calgary's Jeromy Farkas stating it sets a dangerous precedent for the province's influence on city councils.

The issue of federal interference will be tested in Alberta's upcoming referendum on Oct. 19, where voters will decide whether to stay in Canada or have a second referendum on leaving Confederation.