Notley pledged on Thursday that she would do just that if she’s returned to the premier’s seat in the May election, as Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservatives continue to toy with the idea of pulling out of the CPP to start a provincial pension plan.

“Seemingly from Day 1, the current government sought to hijack public pensions and mused about pulling out of the (CPP) despite widespread polling showing everyday Albertans and businesses alike don’t support that kind of dangerous move,” Notley said from the Triwood Community Centre in northwest Calgary, where she and other Opposition MLAs met with a group of seniors.

Notley said an NDP government would enshrine the province’s participation in the CPP in law, preventing any future Alberta government from leaving the federal plan. She says the CPP is tough to change, requiring seven provinces to sign on for any amendment.

“That means any change to CPP is immune from rogue political risk. But if Danielle Smith gets her way, political risk skyrockets,” said Notley. “Smith and her UCP cabinet could change benefit levels or the retirement age in one cabinet meeting behind closed doors. That is an unacceptable level of risk for Albertans when their retirement security is what’s at stake.”