EDMONTON — Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith reports having a “constructive” discussion with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
This gathering is the initial one following Carney’s Liberal Party securing victory in Monday’s election, during which Smith cautioned the prime minister about potential “adverse actions” her administration might direct towards her province.
Smith, who often downplayed Carney during the electoral campaign in favor of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, stated on social media on Friday that she and Carney had an extensive discussion regarding policies and laws that are impeding Alberta’s energy sector.
Smith mentioned they also talked about the continuing trade disagreement with the United States and ways the federal government could collaborate with their province to promote the interests of both Canada and Alberta.
Fixing the harm done to Alberta’s economy due to Ottawa’s past decade of anti-resource laws and policies will require significant effort and collaboration; nonetheless, today’s discussion marked a constructive initial move forward.
Carney expressed gratitude towards Smith on social media following their conversation.
He stated on Friday that they are both committed to reducing the cost of living and enhancing opportunities within the energy industry for the diligent residents of Alberta.
I am excited about collaborating — to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers and to create a unified Canadian economy.
This statement follows Smith’s call for Carney to reassess the connection between Ottawa and Alberta.
It also comes after her government tabled legislation this week that lowers the bar for citizens to initiate referendums, including referendums on Alberta separating from Canada.
Leaders from Indigenous communities throughout the province and nation have criticized this action, stating that Smith is fueling separatist sentiments and breaching treaty obligations as part of these efforts.
“Suggesting that people should cast votes on matters concerning treaty lands is preposterous and goes against the solemn nation-to-nation agreements we established during the treaty negotiations,” stated Chief Sheldon Sunshine of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation at a press conference on Friday.
Smith has stated that the legislation simplifies Albertans’ involvement in democracy, and she did not wish to anticipate what referendum questions could come up.
Prior to the election, Smith presented a set of requirements for the incoming prime minister and vowed to establish a committee to seek input from Albertans about their preferences should the Liberals secure a fourth successive term in office.
On Thursday, Smith’s administration launched legal proceedings against Ottawa—just three days after Carney took office and even before appointing a cabinet. They referred the issue regarding the constitutional validity of the federal government’s clean electricity grid regulations to the Alberta Court of Appeal.
Smith contends that the recently enacted regulations from late last year represent an instance of excessive federal intervention and believe they will only undermine the affordability and stability of Alberta’s electrical system.
One of Smith’s nine demands was discarding the regulations, and she stated on Thursday that she hadn’t been given any sign indicating Carney intended to address the matter.
Another demand Smith had was for Ottawa to offer guarantees that pipelines could be built in every direction, and she said on social media Friday that Carney “made it clear he intended to rapidly advance these kinds of nation-building projects in the coming weeks and months.”
The report from The Canadian Press was initially released on May 2, 2025.
Jack Farrell from The Canadian Press
