There won't be a sequel to the Alberta equalization referendum on this fall's ballot, but the current premier seems no less fixated on the issue than her predecessor. It's hard for any Alberta premier to go wrong by railing against equalization. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementContrary to what some believe (or what some imply), Alberta does not "pay into" equalization any more than Alberta "pays into" any other federal program. In isolation, reforming — or even ending — the equalization program would have no effect on that fiscal imbalance. Perhaps in three years we'll have a federal government willing to tackle the shortcomings in the equalization program and make some necessary changes.