HANNAFORD: Danielle Smith, heroine or villain of the piece?

"I told her not to talk to Jordan Peterson. It was in the first month after she became premier, I didn't think it was a good idea."

Thus Erika Barootes, who in October 2023 was Principal Secretary to newly-anointed Premier Danielle Smith. These days, Ms. Barootes is Department Head of Applied and Public Affairs at Edmonton's Makami College. She is also one of Alberta's senators-elect and the founding president of the ruling United Conservative Party.

In tonight's episode of Hannaford, as Smith engages with American podcaster Ben Shapiro, she reflects upon that early advice.

"Boy, was I ever wrong!"

In tonight's episode, Ms. Barootes discusses with Nigel Hannaford the utility of Smith's personal diplomacy across the border.

Much of it — her bridge-building efforts with influential members of the US government and her attendance at the presidential inauguration — have been generally lauded as helpful. Earlier this year, the Liberal Party was too wrapped up in its own internal difficulties to accomplish much.

"They were a dumpster fire," says Ms. Barootes.

However, Ms. Smith's recent interview with US news outlet Breitbart in which she mused over how the opening of US President Trump's tariff war has placed Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in an invidious position, has caused fury on the left. It has brought charges of inviting US election interference and a cold rebuke from Ottawa... what about that?

Ms. Barootes "I thought the interview itself was great. I just wish she hadn't brought up Pierre Poilievre."

Likewise Mr. Poilievre, no doubt.

"And, I do think she needs to tread lightly when it comes to addressing the federal election, talking about how she's championing Pierre Poilievre."

This is not the first time Smith has engaged with talk-leaders in the US, however.

Ignoring Ms. Barootes' advice two years ago, Smith did indeed go on to have a long talk with Peterson, that lasted an hour and 40 minutes. Her talk with Canada's free-speech martyr du jour has so far attracted more than 607,000 Youtube views. Since then, she has talked with Tucker Carlson (952,000 views.) Public engagement of this kind has brought the Government of Alberta favourable notice at a difficult time. And Smith herself, of course.

Tonight, Premier Smith is in Florida, talking with Ben Shapiro at an event hosted by PragerU. After Joe Rogan, Shapiro is probably the most watched podcaster in the US.

It will doubtless be a scintillating, not to mention hilarious, exchange. But to what end?

Ms. Barootes: "She's trying to change Shapiro's mind. Shapiro is no fan of Canada. He thinks Canada is weak."

Does it matter what Ben Shapiro thinks?

"Shapiro is one of those key players who can influence the Trump administration to some degree, but also the conservative base across the US, so I get why she wants to do this."

Ah. Of course.

"It is unfortunate that it is in the writ period, though."

Indeed.

Ms. Barootes did not build a successful career with serial errors. Reflecting on Smith's campaign of public engagement in the US at a difficult time in she gives it her full approval.

But, it only works because of Smith's unique gifting in communications.

"She is one of the only individuals who can do this... I wouldn't advise (Ontario premier) Doug Ford to try it.... I would just advise her to stay on the Alberta narrative, focus on the relationship and how much the US does depend on Alberta for forestry, farming, oil and gas... that will ultimately help the Canada narrative."

Watch Hannaford at seven o clock this evening.