Alberta Premier Danielle Smith held a significant meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, marking their first conversation since Carney’s election victory. On social media, Smith described the dialogue as “positive,” emphasizing the need to address policies and legislation that hinder Alberta’s energy economy. The meeting comes on the heels of Smith’s more dramatic denunciations of Carney in-person and virtually during the election campaign. Throughout the campaign, she went with her conscience and publicly endorsed Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre—over the Liberal candidate.
In the course of their discussion, Smith challenged Carney on what she called “hostile acts” that her counterpart’s administration would want to impose on Alberta. She implored him to reset the relationship between Ottawa and Alberta. As she pointed out, their previous relationships had been heavy with underlying threats. Furthermore, Smith’s government has initiated court action against Ottawa, questioning the constitutionality of new federal regulations on clean electricity grids. She claimed that these regulations are an example of federal overreach that would threaten the affordability and reliability of Alberta’s electricity supply.
Smith took the opportunity to celebrate her administration’s legislative changes. This reform will help improve citizen access to sitting a citizens’ initiative referendums. This even extends to asking leading questions about whether Alberta should separate from Canada. She didn’t say what the referendum questions would be, if any. She’s enthusiastic about engaging Albertans in co-creating what they want their future to look like.
“Repairing the damage to Alberta’s economy caused by Ottawa’s last 10 years of anti-resource legislation and policies will take tremendous effort and co-operation, however, today’s conversation was a positive first step.” – Danielle Smith
Smith also rightfully calls for a positive collaboration. She argues that Ottawa needs to commit to having pipelines built in all directions, since such infrastructure is critical for Alberta’s economic prosperity. She sent out a 10-point wishlist for the incoming prime minister. Beyond that, she promised to create a council that would advise Albertans on the public’s priorities should the Liberals win another mandate in government.
Carney responded positively to Smith’s concerns, expressing hope for a collaborative approach moving forward. He acknowledged their discussions on the increasing number of trade wars being waged by the United States. He highlighted the importance of the federal government aligning more with the interest of Albertans.
“We’re both focused on bringing down the cost of living and increasing opportunities in the energy sector for hard-working Albertans.” – Mark Carney
Not everyone supports Smith’s initiatives. Indigenous leaders have re-iterated their opposition to her actions, arguing that they promote and encourage separatism, and undermine the spirit of treaty obligations. Sheldon Sunshine, an Indigenous leader, criticized the notion of referendums on treaty land, calling it “absurd” and contrary to sacred agreements made during treaty negotiations.
