'I vowed not to shake his hand' — construction worker repulsed by Carney at Edmonton press conference

"I'm the guy in the black hardhat. I didn’t want to be there. I’d vowed not to shake his hand. I told the organizers I wouldn’t."

These are the words of a frustrated construction worker who felt like a prop at Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Edmonton press conference on Thursday.

Carney visited Edmonton for a series of engagements. His day included a meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, a housing announcement, and a notable appearance with the Edmonton Oilers, where he joined the team for their morning skate ahead of a game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister on March 14, after winning the Liberal leadership race, Carney used the visit to reconnect with his Alberta roots — he grew up in Edmonton — and address local issues. However, his Liberal Party only holds just two of the province’s 34 federal seats.

During the visit, an exchange with the Western Standard drew attention when Carney was asked if he would repay taxpayers for a lavish trip to Europe on a government jet, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Carney holds no seat in the House of Commons while Parliament is suspended by the Liberals.

Earlier on Thursday, as Carney exited the Queen Elizabeth II provincial government building after meeting Premier Danielle Smith, the Western Standard asked, “When are you going to reveal your assets to Canadians and address potential conflicts of interest?” — a question linked to ongoing criticism of Carney’s financial transparency, particularly his past role at Brookfield Asset Management.

Carney, described as remaining friendly, did not respond and continued walking, while police on the scene were reported as courteous.

The incident echoed a prior clash in January when the Western Standard was removed from Carney’s Liberal leadership event in Edmonton, underscoring tensions between Carney’s team and the outlet over press access and challenging questions.