Alberta

Smith told a news conference that her government wants to make it easier for Albertans to express their political views. 

"These changes build on the integrity, trust and openness that have always been at the heart of democracy and keep Alberta strong and free," she said.

So suppressing the progressives?

Currently, PlayAlberta is a Crown Corporation owned by the Province.

It is run by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

If bill 48 is passed, however, more private corporations will gain licenses to operate in the province. This will allow businesses such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM to enter Alberta’s gambling market.

Minister Dale Nally, who is pushing for this bill, stressed that the main goal is to boost player safety, not to make gambling more available

He says this plan should help get back lost money and put it into public services and programs that support First Nations.

People who do nоt agree with the government, such as those from the NDP, worry about the bill’s lack of clear rules.

"It’s got a committee process and they expect it to pass before the spring session legislature finishes [no later than the first Thursday in June]” says Paul Burns, President of the Canadian Gaming Association

The United Conservative Party under Premier Danielle Smith holds a majority in the legislature assembly – 47 seats, with the NDP the official opposition with 36 seats (other parties hold two seats with another two seats vacant).

Sources :

https://www.casino.org/news/new-alberta-igaming-legislation-jumps-another-hurdle/

https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/bill-48-clears-second-hurdle-as-alberta-eyes-regulated-igaming/

A new Angus Reid Institute poll shows that if a referendum were held tomorrow, one in four Albertans would vote to leave Canada.