Danielle Smith Archives - National Times

03 Sep

Tensions Flare at Alberta Next Panel as Smith Faces Cheers, Criticism Over Ottawa Pushback and Immigration Plans

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta Next Panel, Alberta pension plan, Alberta provincial police, Danielle Smith, Medicine Hat town hall

National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma) — A crowd of nearly 400 filled the Cypress Centre on Tuesday night for the Alberta Next Panel town hall, where Premier Danielle Smith received both strong applause and sharp criticism as her government outlined proposals to wrest more control from Ottawa.The two-and-a-half-hour meeting focused on six hot-button issues: federal transfers and equalization, an Alberta Pension Plan, constitutional reform, a provincial police force, immigration, and provincial tax collection. The panel suggested shifting more tax revenues to align with provincial responsibilities, drawing comparisons to Quebec’s constitutional autonomy.While Smith and panelists drew strong support on matters like…

24 Aug

Former Alberta Deputy Premier Leads ‘Forever Canadian’ Petition Against Separatist Push

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta Prosperity Project, Alberta separatism, Danielle Smith, Forever Canadian petition, Thomas Lukaszuk

Edmonton, August 24, 2025 — Former Alberta Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk has launched an ambitious campaign to keep Alberta firmly within Canada, countering growing separatist calls in the province.Lukaszuk, who once served as deputy premier in a Progressive Conservative government, is spearheading the Forever Canadian petition. The initiative requires nearly 294,000 verified signatures by the end of October to trigger a referendum on whether Alberta should enshrine its commitment to remain part of Canada as official policy.“This has become a full-time job. I’m very passionate about this,” Lukaszuk told reporters, stressing his motivation stems from both patriotism and lived experience.…

23 Aug

Alberta to Charge $100 for COVID-19 Shots Outside Priority Groups

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta COVID-19 vaccine fee, Alberta health-care workers, Danielle Smith, Naheed Nenshi

Edmonton — The Alberta government will require most residents to pay a $100 administration fee for the COVID-19 vaccine this fall, while expanding coverage for frontline health-care workers and vulnerable groups.The rollout begins October 1 for high-priority groups, including health-care workers, home care clients, residents of seniors’ and continuing care homes, people experiencing homelessness, those 65 and older receiving the Alberta Seniors Benefit, and individuals who are immunocompromised. Others will be eligible starting October 20, but must cover the fee unless they fall within the exempt categories. Appointments will remain available until supplies run out or the respiratory virus season…

22 Aug

Union Demand Sparks Alberta’s Policy Shift on COVID-19 Vaccines

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta COVID-19 policy, Alberta unions, Danielle Smith, health workers vaccination

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday that her government’s abrupt reversal on COVID-19 vaccine coverage for health-care workers was driven by union demands.Earlier this week, the province announced that all health workers would be eligible for free shots this fall, despite a June decision that most Albertans, including health staff, would have to pay up to $110 for a dose. Smith said the shift followed a request from the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, which reached a tentative bargaining deal last week.“In consultation with other unions, they wanted access for their members. It will not be mandatory,…

09 Aug

Premier Danielle Smith Heads to Mexico to Boost Alberta’s Trade and Investment Ties

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAlberta, Danielle Smith, Mexico

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will visit Mexico City from August 10 to 13 to strengthen economic, trade, and investment partnerships, marking the first official trip to Mexico by an Alberta premier since 2019. During her four-day mission, Smith will meet with senior government officials, industry leaders, and private-sector representatives to promote Alberta as a secure and reliable partner in energy, agriculture, and technology. The visit aims to identify opportunities for collaboration, encourage investment, and expand Alberta’s The Premier will meet with government officials, the private sector, and industry leaders to encourage new investment and trade with Alberta…

02 Aug

Premier Danielle Smith Responds to US Tariff Hike on Canadian Goods

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingAlberta, Danielle Smith

Edmonton: Following the United States’ decision to raise tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 per cent, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued a strong statement urging the federal government to take immediate action to strengthen Canada’s economy and trade relations. While welcoming the exemption of CUSMA-compliant goods, including Alberta’s key exports such as oil, gas, and agricultural products, Premier Smith expressed disappointment over the tariff increase on other Canadian goods. “These tariffs hurt both Canadian and American businesses and workers, and they weaken one of the most important trade and security alliances in the world,” Smith said. Call for Diplomacy and…

19 Jul

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Slams Jasper Wildfire Report, Demands Apology

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, Danielle Smith, Jasper Wildfire

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is pushing back forcefully against a report commissioned by the Municipality of Jasper that criticizes her government's role in last summer’s wildfire response, calling the findings “politically motivated” and demanding a public apology. Speaking at a press conference in Edmonton on Friday, Smith said the report unfairly targeted the province and overlooked the collaborative efforts that helped save the mountain town from complete destruction. “I'm very disappointed that this report politicizes what actually should be a very successful example of unified command,” Smith said. “This report came as a shot out of the…

08 Jul

Premier Danielle Smith hosts Stampede Breakfast at McDougall Centre

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingDanielle Smith

Calgary: Premier Danielle Smith hosted a Stampede Pancake Breakfast at Calgary’s McDougall Centre, perpetuating a long-standing annual tradition aligned with the Calgary Stampede.Dressed in western attire, Premier Smith, alongside Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, Ontario Premiere Doug Ford and Saskatchewan premiere Scott Moe flipped and served pancakes to thousands of Calgarians who attended the morning event. The attendees enjoyed live music, warm hospitality, and the festive Stampede spirit. Premier Smith addressed the crowd and made a significant announcement that Alberta will pursue nuclear energy as part of its long-term strategy to meet growing energy demands and support clean technology development.…

07 Jul

Alberta-Ontario MOUs fuel more pipelines and trade

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta-Ontario, Canada, Danielle Smith, Doug Ford

National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta and Ontario will sign agreements to drive oil and gas pipelines, energy corridors, and repeal federal policies blocking investment and growth.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during Premier Ford’s visit to the Calgary Stampede, outlining their commitment to strengthen interprovincial trade, drive major infrastructure development, and grow Canada's global competitiveness by building new pipelines, rail lines and other energy and trade infrastructure.The two provinces agree on the need for the federal government to address the underlying conditions that have harmed the energy industry in…

02 Jul

Premier Danielle Smith Issues Canada Day Message: Celebrates Alberta’s Role in a United and Prosperous Nation

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingCanada, Danielle Smith

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Marking the 158th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith released a heartfelt Canada Day message, emphasizing the province’s deep-rooted values and its significant contribution to the nation's prosperity. “Canada Day is more than a celebration of 158 years of Confederation – it’s a reminder of who we are, where we come from, the people who came before us and the values that define us,” Premier Smith stated. Highlighting the spirit of Albertans, Smith said the province stands out for its commitment to community, fairness, resilience, and freedom. “Here in Alberta, those values run deep. We…