Danielle Smith

Nenshi, First Nations Leaders Urge Alberta Government to Withdraw Appeal in Separation-Petition Case

Nenshi, First Nations Leaders Urge Alberta Government to Withdraw Appeal in Separation-Petition Case

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The dispute arose from a citizen-led petition seeking a referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada. Several First Nations challenged the process, arguing that Alberta had failed to meet its constitutional duty to consult Indigenous communities before allowing the initiative to proceed. In May, Court of King’s Bench Justice Shaina Leonard ruled that the government had not fulfilled that duty and overturned Elections Alberta’s approval of the petition. The ruling did not decide whether Alberta could legally separate from Canada. It also did not determine whether voters could support or reject separation in a referendum. Instead, it addressed…
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Danielle Smith Says Alberta Will Remain in Canada, Rules Out Another Separation Referendum

Danielle Smith Says Alberta Will Remain in Canada, Rules Out Another Separation Referendum

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has pledged not to hold another referendum on the province's separation from Canada, saying the October 19 vote has given her government a clear mandate to keep Alberta within the country while continuing to fight for greater provincial autonomy. In an address to Albertans on October 20, Smith said voters had overwhelmingly supported remaining part of Canada, describing the historic turnout as a reflection of the strong connection residents feel toward both their province and their country. “Alberta will remain a province of Canada,” Smith said, adding that she would honour the referendum's…
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Offers Condolences After Fatal Incident at CFB Wainwright

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Offers Condolences After Fatal Incident at CFB Wainwright

EDMONTON, Alberta (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed or injured in a tragic incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright on Saturday, October 17, as provincial authorities continue coordinating the emergency response. In a statement issued Sunday, Smith said Alberta was grieving alongside the Canadian Armed Forces and the families, friends and colleagues of those affected. She described the loss of life and injuries as heartbreaking and wished those receiving treatment a full recovery. The premier also acknowledged the efforts of emergency responders and medical personnel who mobilised following the…
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Danielle Smith Shares Thanksgiving Message, Highlights Alberta’s Community Spirit

Danielle Smith Shares Thanksgiving Message, Highlights Alberta’s Community Spirit

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has extended Thanksgiving wishes to residents, encouraging them to reflect on the people, resources and opportunities that contribute to life in the province. In her holiday message, Smith highlighted Alberta’s natural beauty, from the Rocky Mountains to its expansive prairies, while emphasizing that the province’s greatest strength lies in its people and their willingness to support one another. She praised Albertans for their hard work, generosity and community spirit, noting that acts of kindness and assistance to neighbours remain important parts of the province’s identity. Smith also acknowledged the contribution of farmers, ranchers…
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Premier Danielle Smith Celebrates Alberta’s Contributions in Canada Day Address

Premier Danielle Smith Celebrates Alberta’s Contributions in Canada Day Address

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith issued an official statement marking Canada Day, calling on citizens to reflect on the core foundational values that unite the country, specifically highlighting freedom, democracy, and mutual respect. In her address, she noted that Canada remains globally recognized as a land of opportunity, a status forged by generations of resilient families whose hard work established strong, stable communities nationwide. The Premier emphasized the pivotal role that Albertans have played in shaping national success since Confederation. She pointed to the province's ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong work ethic as key drivers that have consistently…
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Alberta, Canada Advance New West Coast Oil Pipeline to Asian Markets

Alberta, Canada Advance New West Coast Oil Pipeline to Asian Markets

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The governments of Alberta and Canada have finalized major elements of the Alberta Canada Energy Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for a new west coast oil pipeline that could begin construction as early as Sept. 1, 2027. The agreement, announced on May 15, 2026, is aimed at expanding Canada’s energy exports to Asian and global markets while reducing regulatory uncertainty for investors and industry partners. The proposed Indigenous co-owned pipeline would transport more than one million barrels of oil per day to a west coast export terminal, helping Canada diversify beyond reliance on a single energy…
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Carney and Smith to Announce Major Canada–Alberta Energy Deal on Friday in Calgary

Carney and Smith to Announce Major Canada–Alberta Energy Deal on Friday in Calgary

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will jointly announce a significant energy agreement in Calgary on Friday 15th May, focusing on industrial carbon pricing and progress on a potential west coast pipeline. The expected deal will outline a framework to align federal and Alberta carbon pricing policies, with a long term industrial price target of around $130 per tonne by 2040. It is also expected to advance planning discussions for a proposed oil pipeline to British Columbia’s coast, although no final approval is anticipated. Officials say the agreement is part of ongoing negotiations aimed…
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Prime Minister Mark Carney Faces Growing Alberta Separatist Momentum as Referendum Signatures Surpass Threshold

Prime Minister Mark Carney Faces Growing Alberta Separatist Momentum as Referendum Signatures Surpass Threshold

Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is confronting a significant new political challenge as a separatist movement in Alberta gains unprecedented momentum, echoing the constitutional tensions historically associated with Quebec. On Monday, activists representing the push for Alberta’s independence announced the submission of nearly 302,000 signatures to provincial authorities, a figure that comfortably exceeds the 178,000 required to force a formal consideration of a referendum. This surge in organized discontent presents a fresh headache for the Carney administration, which is already navigating a complex national landscape. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has indicated that she will proceed with a…
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Extends Easter Greetings, Highlights Message of Hope

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Extends Easter Greetings, Highlights Message of Hope

Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Danielle Smith has conveyed her Easter wishes to residents across the province, marking the occasion with a message centred on faith, renewal and optimism. In her statement, the premier acknowledged the significance of Easter for Christians in Alberta and around the world, noting that it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and stands as a cornerstone of Christian belief. Reflecting on the period following Lent and Good Friday, Smith described Easter as a time that symbolises new beginnings and resilience, offering hope even in difficult times. She emphasised that the festival carries a message of moving forward…
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Premier Smith Admits Initial Deadlines for Carney-Smith Pipeline Deal Will Be Missed

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

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…
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