Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says asking her husband for advice 'is not a conflict of interest’ in response to a question about why he has been attending government meetings regarding trains.A reporter asked Smith for an explanation, citing Lou Arab, the husband of former premier Rachel Notley, during a press conference Friday.“Should the Ethics Commissioner have a look at this?” asked the reporter.“I believe you don't understand. And maybe the former premier's husband doesn't understand what the lobbyist registry says. If you are getting paid by somebody to lobby government, then you have to register as a lobbyist,” Smith said.“He (Arab) was getting paid by CUPE, and he never stepped down from his position the entire time his wife was premier. My husband, on the other hand, quit the media when I became an elected official in 2012, because he didn't want to be involved in daily news, because he knew that that would put him in a conflict of interest.”.'IT'S SIMPLY NOT FAIR': Smith says Alberta could consider pulling out of supply management.Smith went on to say that her husband is not getting paid by anyone to give her advice.She gave examples of historical cases where spouses were involved in politics.“Former premier Ralph Klein's wife also served as the head of a Premier's Advisory Committee on children's issues,” she said.Smith also mentioned international examples where there are roles for the first spouse, such as the United States, where they get a budget for public speaking and heading up commissions.“That's kind of the role when you get into politics. It's a family affair,” she said. “He advises me and no one else, and I can ask for his advice on anything I want. And no, I'm not going to ask the Ethics Commissioner to weigh in on whether my husband can talk to me. Not his business,” she said..‘ALBERTA HAS AN OTTAWA PROBLEM ’: Smith, panel hear from the public in Edmonton
