The Alberta NDP was in meltdown mode during question period on Monday — losing their minds — over Premier Danielle Smith's interview on U.S. conservative media outlet Breitbart News.The NDP struggled to distinguish Breitbart — and other conservative platforms — from outright racists, aiming to discredit Smith, who doubles as minister of intergovernmental relations. Smith has worked to defend Alberta’s interests — albeit imperfectly — amid a bitter trade dispute with the U.S. Without Smith’s efforts, Albertans could face far worse outcomes — hardly grounds to label her incompetent or irresponsible as the NDP suggested.In her March 8 Breitbart interview, Smith revealed she had urged the Trump Administration to hold off on tariffs ahead of Canada’s federal election. She argued the trade spat was fuelling Liberal Party support and undermining Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who she said had been “miles ahead” of Justin Trudeau in polls until “unjust and unfair tariffs” shifted opinions..The NDP accused Smith of inviting foreign election interference, hurling cancel-culture-style charges in the legislature.In reality, Smith was pushing the opposite — telling the U.S. to back off tariffs that are currently influencing the election.U.S. President Donald Trump has openly admitted to meddling in Canada’s upcoming vote.In a Fox News interview, he said his actions “totally changed the election” and expressed a preference for negotiating with a Liberal government, saying, “I think it’s easier to deal, actually, with a Liberal, and maybe they’re going to win, but I don’t really care.”Canada does face a genuine election interference problem — but it’s not Smith. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service has reported Chinese interference in the past two federal elections with no real accountability — a far cry from Smith’s tariff plea.Will the Chinese sway the April 28 vote? That remains unclear..On another front, the NDP criticized Smith for threatening Prime Minister Mark Carney with a national unity crisis. Following their recent face-to-face meeting, Smith issued a statement listing demands tied to Alberta’s oil and gas sector.She insisted the next prime minister — regardless of party — address them within six months of taking office to avert severe national discord.Her demands include unrestricted oil and gas corridors across Canada, repealing Bill C-69 (seen as a pipeline barrier), lifting British Columbia’s coastal tanker ban, and scrapping federal policies like the oil and gas emissions cap, clean electricity regulations, and single-use plastics restrictions.Smith called these non-negotiable to safeguard Alberta’s economy..The prospect of the NDP — hardly lacking in smarts — aligning with climate zealot Carney is alarming.Without Smith, Ottawa could overpower and devastate Alberta.Also in question period, the UCP branded NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi the “failed mayor” of Calgary — a claim that doesn’t hold up.Like him or not, Nenshi was Calgary’s mayor from Oct. 25, 2010, to Nov. 8, 2021, over three terms spanning more than 11 years.Many argue he lead the city through the 2013 floods — earning the 2014 World Mayor Prize — oversaw projects like the new central library and transit expansions, pioneered social media in politics, boosted civic engagement, and curbed urban sprawl.As the first Muslim mayor of a major Canadian city, he also managed economic slumps and a pandemic, elevating Calgary’s global profile — according to some.If Nenshi wins a seat in an upcoming byelection, he could make life harder for the UCP — provided he keeps focused on key issues and avoids being triggered by others’ media appearances.
