Danielle Smith Archives - National Times

24 Mar

Premier Smith Admits Initial Deadlines for Carney-Smith Pipeline Deal Will Be Missed

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta pipeline deal, CERAWeek 2026, Danielle Smith, industrial carbon pricing, Mark Carney, Pathways Alliance

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith confirmed on Monday, March 23, 2026, that the first set of deadlines in the high-profile energy and environment agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney are not expected to be met. Speaking from the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, Texas, Smith acknowledged that while several components are nearing completion, the April 1 target for a comprehensive deal remains out of reach. The memorandum of understanding, signed last November, was designed to fast-track a new oil pipeline to the British Columbia coast in exchange for Alberta’s alignment with federal climate goals. The delays are primarily…

22 Mar

Premier Danielle Smith Rules Out Immediate Gas Tax Relief Despite Rising Pump Prices

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta fuel tax, Danielle Smith, Fuel Tax Relief, Gas prices, Iran-US Conflict, provincial deficit, WTI oil

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has advised Albertans not to expect immediate relief from provincial tax breaks at the gas pump, despite prices currently hovering around $1.60 a litre. Speaking on her Saturday radio program, Your Province, Your Premier, Smith explained that the recent surge in fuel costs is largely driven by global oil price volatility stemming from the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran—factors she characterized as entirely out of the provincial government's control. The Premier’s cautious stance comes as the province prepares for the start of a new fiscal quarter on April 1. Under…

13 Mar

Premier Danielle Smith Applauds National Times’ International Women’s Month Initiative

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta Premier, Calgary News, Danielle Smith, International Women’s Month, National Times media, Women’s Leadership

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): In a special message marking International Women’s Day, Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, extended her warm greetings and appreciation as National Times Media Group celebrates and highlights inspiring women throughout the month of March. On behalf of the Government of Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged the remarkable contributions women continue to make in communities across the province, throughout Canada, and around the world. She emphasized that women play a vital role in shaping society by building successful businesses, strengthening families and communities, leading organizations, and contributing to fields such as education, healthcare, and social development. She noted…

11 Mar

Recall Petition Against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Fails to Meet Signature Threshold

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta politics, Brooks-Medicine Hat, Danielle Smith, Recall Petition, UCP

Medicine Hat, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma)— A high-profile attempt to oust Alberta Premier Danielle Smith from her seat in the legislature has officially collapsed after failing to gather the necessary signatures. The petition, led by local resident Heather VanSnick in the riding of Brooks-Medicine Hat, concluded on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, falling significantly short of the steep legal requirements mandated by provincial law. Under the recall legislation introduced in 2021, petitioners are required to collect signatures from 60 per cent of the total number of voters who cast a ballot in the previous general election within a 90-day window. In Smith’s…

05 Mar

Property Tax Shock for Calgarians: 21% Provincial Hike Sparks Anger and Political Backlash

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta Budget, Calgary, Danielle Smith, Jeromy Farkas, Property Tax, Tax Hike

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Residents of Calgary are facing growing financial anxiety after the Alberta government announced a significant increase in the provincial education portion of property taxes. The move by the governing United Conservative Party under Premier Danielle Smith could push the provincial share of property taxes collected in Calgary up by around 21%, creating what many city officials are calling one of the most serious tax pressures on homeowners in recent years. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has strongly criticized the decision, warning that the increase could translate into hundreds of dollars more per year for the average homeowner. Although…

22 Feb

Danielle Smith Pushes for Quebec-Style Immigration Powers as Referendum Debate Intensifies

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingDanielle Smith

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith is standing firm on her call for Alberta to gain greater authority over immigration, drawing both support and sharp criticism as the province prepares for a fall referendum that includes several immigration-related questions. Speaking during her weekend radio program, Smith defended proposals that would significantly alter how newcomers access provincial services. The measures form part of a broader nine-question referendum scheduled for October, which the government says will give Albertans direct input on key policy directions. Proposed Changes to Services and Voting Rules Among the questions voters will consider is whether individuals with temporary…

01 Feb

Danielle Smith Avoids Separatism Talk, Champions Conservative Agenda at Calgary Convention

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta Premier, Calgary, Conservative Party convention, Danielle Smith, Pierre Poilievre

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith showcased her political clout among federal Conservative Party faithful on Saturday, delivering a rousing speech in Calgary that leaned heavily into core conservative priorities while steering clear of the separatist debate that has dominated headlines this week. The premier received a warm reception and a standing ovation from delegates, underscoring both her popularity within conservative circles and the advantage of speaking on home turf. “It is a true pleasure to welcome Conservatives from across the country to Calgary, into the heartland of conservatism in Canada,” Smith said as she took the stage. Apart…

30 Dec

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Defends Health-Care Overhaul, Says 2026 Will Show Results

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta Health Services, Alberta health-care reform, Canadian politics, Danielle Smith

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has completed the legal framework for its sweeping health-care overhaul in 2025, and Premier Danielle Smith says the coming year will be crucial in proving that the controversial restructuring delivers better outcomes for patients. The reorganisation dismantled Alberta Health Services as the province’s central health authority, reducing it to the role of a hospital service provider. New agencies have been created to separately oversee hospital care, continuing care, mental health and addiction services, and primary health care, all functioning under four health ministries. Smith said the passage of key legislation during the fall sitting…

21 Dec

Danielle Smith Defends Alberta Next Report Amid Criticism of Timing and Content

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaDanielle Smith

ALBERTA (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith has pushed back against accusations that her government attempted to downplay the release of the Alberta Next report, insisting that the report’s Friday afternoon publication ahead of the Christmas holidays does not mean it is being ignored. The report, compiled by a Smith-appointed panel, examined Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa and made several high-profile recommendations, including the creation of a provincial pension plan to replace the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the eventual establishment of a provincial police force to succeed the RCMP. “Replacing the CPP with an Alberta plan is the most financially meaningful…

15 Dec

Premier Danielle Smith Marks Hanukkah With Message of Hope and Resilience

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingCanada, Danielle Smith

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith has issued a statement celebrating Hanukkah and extending warm wishes to Alberta’s Jewish community as the eight-day Festival of Lights begins. In her message, the premier highlighted the symbolism of Hanukkah arriving during the darkest days of the year, noting that it serves as a reminder that “even the smallest spark of hope can illuminate the deepest night.” Smith reflected on the miracle of the oil, which was meant to last one day but burned for eight, saying it continues to inspire perseverance, faith and the sharing of light with others. She also acknowledged…