Premier Smith Says Alberta ‘on Standby’ to Help Edmonton Amid Reports of Financial Struggles

Alberta’s premier says the province is “on standby to help” the City of Edmonton after reports the city is struggling with finances and in the wake of losing seven senior managers in the past year. “We want the council to know and the mayor to know that we’re on standby,” Premier Danielle Smith told a March 27 news conference. “No one has stepped in, no one has intervened, no one is doing an audit,” she said in response to questions from reporters. “But if they need our help, we are ready, and on standby to help.” The premier’s comments came after a Postmedia story said the government of Alberta is considering a move to stabilize and audit the city amid concerns the provincial capital is struggling with finances. In the past year, Edmonton has lost seven senior managers, the latest on March 22 with the announcement that city manager Andre Corbould will leave effective April 3 after working with the city since January 2021....