Danielle Smith Archives - National Times

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…

11 Dec

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Faces Recall Petitions Amid Local Dissatisfaction

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingDanielle Smith

Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Premier Danielle Smith of Alberta is confronting a growing political challenge as recall petitions targeting her and other United Conservative Party (UCP) MLAs gain momentum. Elections Alberta approved the petitions on Wednesday, marking Smith as one of 20 UCP members facing potential removal. Among others under scrutiny are Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz and Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish. The petitions follow complaints from constituents who allege that Smith has not adequately represented her Brooks-Medicine Hat riding. Lead petitioner Heather VanSnick claimed that Smith is frequently absent from the community and disconnected from local concerns. “She isn’t…

02 Dec

Alberta Set to Unveil Plan to Resist Ottawa’s Gun Buyback Program Today

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta gun buyback, Alberta Sovereignty Act, Danielle Smith

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma)— Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will release further details today on its proposed strategy to counter Ottawa’s gun buyback program. The announcement is expected at an afternoon news conference led by Justice Minister Mickey Amery.Smith told delegates at the United Conservative Party’s annual convention over the weekend that her government would introduce a motion to prevent provincial authorities from enforcing or prosecuting individuals under the federal gun rules. The move is set to be brought forward under the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, a legislation that Smith says allows the province to push…

27 Nov

Carney Poised to Announce Deal With Alberta, Opening Door to New Pipeline and Policy Shift

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, CanadaAlberta, Danielle Smith, Mark Carney, oil pipeline, Pathways Alliance, tanker ban

Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to reveal a major agreement with Alberta on Thursday that could revive the possibility of a new oil pipeline to Canada’s West Coast. In return, Ottawa is preparing to introduce tougher environmental rules and ease some of its existing climate policies.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has described the negotiations as a “grand bargain,” centred on advancing the Pathways Alliance carbon-capture project while also pushing ahead with a long-sought pipeline to the Pacific. The deal comes after months of back-and-forth between federal and provincial officials.Speaking in Ottawa a day before the announcement, Carney…

12 Nov

Premier Danielle Smith Pays Tribute to Canada’s Veterans on Remembrance Day

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanada, TrendingDanielle Smith

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): On Remembrance Day, Premier Danielle Smith released a statement recognizing the courage and sacrifices of Canadians who have served in times of war, conflict, and peace. “On Nov. 11, Canadians come together to honour the immense sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served our country,” Premier Smith said. “It is a solemn day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance.” The Premier highlighted significant historical milestones this year, including 80 years since the end of the Second World War, when Canadian forces played a key role in liberating the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. She noted that…

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.…