Smith calls for election, reminds Albertans of Liberal legacy — a record 'they can't run away from'

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, speaking at an education announcement in Calgary on Friday, responded to a question from the Western Standard about Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and what she will do if the Liberals continue the anti-oil policies of Justin Trudeau and Steven Guilbeault.

“What I would say is that we know over the last 10 years, the federal government has brought destructive policies to Alberta — whether it’s emissions caps or methane caps, net-zero electricity grids, net-zero cars, net-zero buildings, Bill C-69, or tanker bans," Smith replied.

Smith, who has promised to double Alberta’s oil and gas production and has worked to broker energy deals on behalf of residents, continued, “That is a record they can’t run away from. I’ve seen nothing to indicate they’re going to change course on that. [Carney] has written his book called Value(s). One of his values is to phase out the oil and gas industry.”

“So, what I have been asking for is an election right away. We need to ensure that, whichever way this gets resolved, we have somebody at the table for four years who can negotiate the renewed Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.”

Despite his net-zero ambitions, Carney has spoken positively of Canada’s energy sector. Many remain skeptical.

In 2020, he said, “Canada is an energy superpower. It is an energy superpower because it is oil and gas, it is hydro, it is hydrogen, and it is carbon capture and storage and nuclear and beyond.”

In 2023, he said, “Fossil fuel investments are still necessary during the clean energy transition. You don’t get to net-zero emissions without managing the transition of the oil and gas sector responsibly.”

Smith said Carney has made it clear he wants to keep fossil fuels in the ground—and that he prefers a “hidden” carbon tax.

Carney announced on Friday the elimination of the consumer carbon tax — but he could increase industrial carbon taxes.

There is an industrial carbon tax in Canada, though it’s more accurately described as a carbon pricing system applied to large industrial emitters rather than a standalone “tax” in the traditional sense.

"So, I don’t think it does Alberta any good if we end up seeing massive increases to industrial carbon taxes,” said Smith.

“[Carney] has been quoted many times saying he thinks the carbon tax is too low. So, I’m going to reserve judgment for now.”