Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently participated in the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference held in Ottawa, where she delivered an address and took part in discussions addressing critical national issues. The conference, aimed at fostering open dialogue and collaboration on key topics affecting Canada, provided a platform for Premier Smith to share insights on pressing matters such as energy transition, gender policies, and federal-provincial relations.
Premier Smith addressed the complexities surrounding the transition to a low-emission economy, acknowledging the associated costs and challenges. She highlighted concerns such as infrastructure upgrades for electric vehicle adoption and the importance of preserving the versatility of oil and gas products. Premier Smith emphasized the need for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while supporting industries in adapting to evolving environmental standards.
In addition to energy transition, Premier Smith also discussed gender policies, particularly focusing on healthcare interventions and the protection of single-sex spaces.
Following her address, Premier Danielle Smith participated in a moderated discussion led by True North’s Andrew Lawton, delving into key topics impacting Alberta and the nation at large.
The conversation, which took place amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions between provincial and federal governments, provided insight into Premier Smith’s perspective on key issues facing Alberta and the broader Canadian landscape.
One notable aspect of the discussion was Premier Smith’s staunch advocacy for provincial autonomy, emphasizing the need for federal politicians, including Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, to focus on their core responsibilities rather than encroaching on provincial jurisdiction.
“When you see in Alberta that we are going to take a posture more like Quebec—no thank you, we don’t need your policy advice on school lunch programs, pharmacare, or dental care— that is just, just give us the money and trust that we’ll be able to deliver on this,” Premier Smith asserted.
Furthermore, Premier Smith addressed the issue of transgender rights with nuance, highlighting the importance of evidence-based policies and thoughtful consideration of medical interventions for individuals undergoing gender transition.