In a monumental gathering of Conservative party delegates at the United Conservative Party’s Annual General Meeting in 2023, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith delivered a compelling and forward-looking speech that resonated with an enthusiastic crowd of 3,792 delegates. Smith’s address not only celebrated the strength and unity of the Conservative movement in Alberta but also emphasized the pivotal role that the province plays on the national stage. In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the key points raised in her speech, examining the finer details and nuances that made it truly remarkable.
Premier Danielle Smith commenced her speech by acknowledging the extraordinary turnout at the UCP-AGM. The 3,792 registered delegates in attendance represented an all-time high, making this the largest provincial party AGM in Alberta’s 118-year history. She took a moment to commend the dedication of the party’s members and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their overwhelming presence. This landmark event, she noted, underscored the growing strength and unity of the Conservative movement in Alberta.
The Premier wasted no time in highlighting the significant electoral victory achieved by the United Conservative Party in the most recent provincial election. In a spirited tone, Smith recounted the party’s triumph over the NDP socialist party and their union allies. She emphasized the importance of this electoral success, not just for Alberta but for the wider Canadian landscape.
One of the central themes of Smith’s address was the critical leadership role that Alberta plays on the national stage. She eloquently emphasized the importance of preserving and upholding fundamental principles, such as freedom, civil rights, free enterprise, and economic prosperity. Alberta, according to Smith, serves as a shining example of how to deliver essential services like healthcare, education, public safety, and social support programs without incurring crippling debt or imposing burdensome taxes. The province’s success in these areas, she argued, is a model for the entire nation.
The Premier passionately stressed the need to demonstrate that reducing emissions and developing natural energy resources can coexist harmoniously. She contended that emerging technologies, funded by resource development, are the key to meaningfully reducing global emissions while avoiding energy poverty. In a critique of what she termed “eco-extreme dogmas,” Smith argued that limiting economic growth, energy scarcity, and centralized control of people’s activities were failed policies that lead to extreme poverty, poor environmental outcomes, and the loss of personal freedoms and civil rights.
Smith expressed deep concerns about federal policies that encroach upon Alberta’s constitutional rights. She accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada, Steven Guilbeault of trying to cap production of Alberta’s natural resources and transform the province’s power grid to be net zero. The Premier was unequivocal in her assertion that such actions disregarded Alberta’s exclusive jurisdiction over the development of its natural resources and the operation of its provincial power grid, as granted by the Canadian Constitution.
Smith made it abundantly clear that the UCP caucus would stand unwavering in its commitment to defending the rights and livelihoods of the people of Alberta. She declared their determination to thwart every effort by the current federal government to impose destructive policies on the province. The Premier emphasized that as long as she was in office, Alberta would not compromise its future.
The Premier discussed the pressing challenges posed by new electricity regulations and emissions caps imposed by the federal government. Alberta is preparing measures to protect its citizens from these policies, ensuring that they have access to affordable and reliable electricity, regardless of the season, weather, or time of day.
Smith described Alberta as being in the midst of its century of growth, with hundreds of thousands of new residents choosing to call the province home each year. As the population approaches 10 million by 2050, the Premier underscored the need for responsible planning and investment.
The Premier outlined the government’s focus on keeping Alberta affordable for families and businesses. To achieve this, measures include lowering personal income taxes and introducing legislation to prevent tax increases without approval by Albertans in a referendum. Smith also discussed reforms in housing, electricity, and auto insurance to ensure affordability.
Smith emphasized the importance of expanding the education system to accommodate the growing population. She reassured parents that their rights and choices in their children’s education would be respected and protected, emphasizing that parental rights and choice in a child’s education are fundamental core principles of the party and the government.
The Premier announced a commitment to fiscal discipline, with a clear focus on balancing the provincial budget, limiting spending increases to below inflation plus population growth, and paying down debt each year until Alberta is debt-free. Smith stressed that surpluses would be prudently invested in a heritage savings trust fund, gradually reducing the province’s reliance on oil and gas royalties.
In conclusion, Premier Danielle Smith’s speech was a call to action for Alberta. It celebrated the province’s achievements and potential while also acknowledging the challenges it faces. Smith’s vision is clear: to build an Alberta that leads the country, welcomes new residents, and ensures prosperity for generations to come. With fiscal responsibility, innovation, and a commitment to its principles, Alberta is poised to achieve great things in the coming years. Smith’s unwavering determination and leadership provide a clear path forward for the province, demonstrating that nothing will stand in the way of Alberta’s continued growth and success.