A Call for Unity or a Recipe for Division?

Alberta's Premier, Danielle Smith, has issued a stark warning: if the Liberals clinch victory in the upcoming federal election, Mark Carney must act swiftly to heal the wounds in his party's strained relationship with Alberta.

The Legacy of Distrust

Describing the last decade as a period that has "soured" Albertans on the notion of a Liberal government, Smith emphasizes that the next leader of Canada will face significant challenges. During her remarks at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa, she expressed her concerns about a potential national unity crisis.

A Meeting of Minds Before the Campaign

Before the campaign kicked off, Smith sat down with Carney and presented a list of crucial demands. These must be met within six months to steer clear of an unprecedented national division.

Rallying the Conservative Base

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Smith backed Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, stressing the importance of unity among provincial leaders. She referenced the ongoing tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump as a catalyst for a new consensus on national collaboration.

Building Infrastructure for the Future

Smith highlighted the urgency of developing west-to-east pipelines, expanding port facilities, and enhancing rail lines, all essential for Alberta's economic future.

A Personal Touch: Team Canada!

In a light-hearted moment during her speech, Smith playfully removed her shoe and showcased her red-painted toenails, declaring her unwavering commitment to Team Canada.

An Existential Threat?

When pressed about the implications of a Liberal victory on national unity, Smith remained cautious. She stated, “We’re going to have to see what the reaction of Albertans is.” This reflects her ongoing commitment to representing her province's sentiments.

Key Demands from Alberta

The demands Smith has made include a commitment to facilitate cross-country pipeline construction, a cessation of the proposed greenhouse gas emissions cap, and the repeal of Bill C-69, known as the 'no new pipelines law.' While Poilievre vowed to abolish it, Carney has indicated it will remain in effect under a Liberal administration.

Can Carney Deliver?

In light of Carney's promises to expedite energy project approvals and enhance cooperation with provinces and Indigenous governments, Smith remains skeptical. She expressed her distrust of political messaging, noting how different statements can emerge depending on language and region. "What I’ve observed so far is contradictory statements depending on the audience." As she put it, she is unsure what kind of prime minister Carney would be if elected.