Danielle Smith Archives - National Times

15 May

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

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingDanielle Smith, Mark Carney

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…

05 May

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

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsCanadaAlberta referendum, Alberta separation, Canadian politics, Danielle Smith, Mark Carney, Stay Free Alberta

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…

06 Apr

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

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsAlberta, Canada, TrendingAlberta, Danielle Smith

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…

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…