The Alberta Premier, Danielle Smith, is standing firm in her resolve to challenge Ottawa despite facing skepticism within her own United Conservative Party regarding the recent pipeline agreement. This significant deal, signed earlier in the week, paves the way for a potential pipeline to the West Coast by clearing regulatory obstacles.
During the opening of her party’s annual convention, Premier Smith encountered doubt and even booing from some party supporters when she questioned their confidence in Canada post the agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Addressing over 4,500 party delegates in Edmonton, Smith urged members to view the agreement as a step forward and emphasized the government’s commitment to intensify its battle with Ottawa.
Asserting that Alberta is on the winning side, Smith vowed to continue fighting for the province’s freedom and rights. As a demonstration of her determination, she announced plans to introduce a motion in the legislature rejecting the enforcement of the federal gun buyback program under her Sovereignty Within A United Canada Act.
While highlighting the benefits of the pipeline deal, including the abandonment of federal emissions cap regulations, Smith acknowledged the strong separatist sentiment at the convention. Despite past grievances with Ottawa, she called for national unity and encouraged attendees not to give up on the country as victory seemed within reach.
The resignation of Liberal Steven Guilbeault from the federal cabinet over the pipeline deal was met with jubilation from Smith and her supporters, who bid him farewell with applause. Smith outlined her party’s focus on taking control of immigration policy, healthcare reform, addiction treatment, protection of free speech, and laws regarding transgender individuals, garnering support from the crowd.
Following her speech, Smith noted an increase in enthusiasm from the business community and anticipated an enhanced investment climate for Albertans due to the agreement with Carney. Emphasizing the importance of tangible actions to validate the benefits of the deal, she expressed optimism for the province’s future prosperity.