Smith congratulates PM Carney, signals robust provincial pushback

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith extended congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney following his minority government victory in yesterday’s federal election, while issuing a firm call for a reset in Ottawa-Alberta relations.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney on his minority government election victory last night," Smith said in a statement Tuesday.

She quickly pivoted to express gratitude to outgoing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, praising his "powerful and principled advocacy" against a decade of federal policies she described as punitive to Alberta’s economy. Smith lauded Poilievre's vision for a "safer, more affordable, united and prosperous Canada," noting that his focus on empowering Alberta's energy sector and respecting its people made him "a true friend of Alberta."

She contrasted this with the Liberals and New Democrats, whom she accused of demeaning Albertans and targeting the province's industries for political gain. In a direct appeal to Carney, Smith urged immediate collaboration to rebuild the federal-provincial relationship with "meaningful action rather than hollow rhetoric."

She emphasized widespread frustration among Albertans, asserting that the re-elected Liberal government had “overtly attacked our provincial economy almost unabated for the past 10 years.”

"As Premier, I will not permit the status quo to continue," Smith declared, signalling a proactive stance.

She vowed to protect Alberta’s industries and resources from federal overreach, stating, "We will no longer tolerate having our industries threatened and our resources landlocked by Ottawa."

Smith announced plans for a province-wide discussion in the coming weeks to explore options for safeguarding Alberta’s interests, including strengthening its position against "future hostile acts from Ottawa."

She expressed hope for a “prosperous future” within a united Canada that respects Alberta's constitutional rights and supports its resource sector. The Alberta government will hold a special caucus meeting on Friday to address these issues further, with Smith promising additional comments afterward.