Danielle Smith

Danielle Smith supports prioritizing provincial spending to back a joint Calgary-Edmonton World Cup of Hockey bid, saying the province is offering up to $15 million to support the bid and expressing hope the NHL and players’ association choose it.

Danielle Smith said the current fiscal year’s projected $4.1 billion deficit may be smaller than estimated if oil prices rise, indicating she expects higher oil revenues could reduce the province's deficit.

Danielle Smith said she expects the projected $4.1 billion budget deficit to be smaller than forecast, attributing the potential reduction to recent higher oil prices, while noting the final impact depends on how long those prices remain elevated.

Smith says declining resource revenues and unprecedented population growth have forced the province into 'tough choices,' but she has stated the government still plans to support building infrastructure and wants Alberta's infrastructure funding to be stable while managing budget pressures.

Danielle Smith prioritizes increasing education operational funding to hire thousands of teachers and support staff to address rapid population and student growth, framing this spending as necessary despite lower resource revenues and requiring tough fiscal choices.

Danielle Smith characterizes the provincial rail initiative as a longer-term, segmented plan—'eight or nine different segments'—and says the master rail plan will be released in the coming weeks, indicating the province intends to phase planning and spending rather than immediate large-scale funding.

Danielle Smith supports allocating $143 million to create 'complexity teams' in 476 elementary schools that provide in-class assistance, prioritizing spending on early-intervention supports to preserve a 'world-class' education system and address areas with 'significantly higher' class sizes.

Danielle Smith says Alberta will run short-term, significant deficits to manage lower oil royalty revenues, while ruling out tax increases and deep service cuts. She will prioritize health care, education, supports for the vulnerable, and infrastructure, but cannot fund everything.

Danielle Smith says Alberta faces an affordability crisis and opposes additional taxes to address infrastructure deficits, favors investing Alberta's Heritage Savings Trust Fund, negotiating better equalization payments with Ottawa, and building a pipeline while acknowledging short-term pain for deficits.

Smith says Etihad’s new direct service reflects confidence in Alberta’s market and recognizes the province’s value, and she frames the route as positioning Alberta as a hub for global travel and commerce, supporting expanded international commercial ties.

Smith emphasizes practical cooperation to resolve trade disputes, focusing on securing investment projects and preserving tariff-free access (97% of products). She wants to keep tariffs low and pursue a broader, comprehensive trade deal that benefits all of Canada.

Danielle Smith welcomes the Canada–China trade deal but urges officials to take necessary measures to ensure that imported vehicles and other products do not threaten Canada's privacy laws or national security interests.

Danielle Smith directed her Municipal Affairs Minister, via a mandate letter, to 'protect Albertans' from specialized taxes, signaling opposition to targeted local taxes (such as specialized vacancy or livability taxes) that generate government revenue from Albertans.

Smith supported overriding teachers' collective bargaining and forcing them back to work: her government invoked the notwithstanding clause and imposed a contract, arguing some issues could not be solved at the bargaining table and require government-led, cross-ministry solutions.

Danielle Smith directed the Municipal Affairs minister to create a plan to protect Albertans from specialized municipal taxes targeting second homeowners, signaling opposition to municipal vacancy/second-home taxes and support for provincial action to block or limit such levies.

Danielle Smith opposes regulatory bodies disciplining regulated professionals for expressing opinions outside work; she characterizes such discipline as regulator 'overreach' and an 'outright threat to free expression', supporting legislation to limit regulators' reach into off-duty speech.

Danielle Smith says the government must balance taxpayers', parents' and students' rights; she hopes to avoid a broader labour action, is pleased more than half of collective agreements have been signed, and wants to focus on bargaining-unit-specific issues.

Danielle Smith said she was pleased the anti-tariff ad campaign was suspended, indicating she supports pausing the ads so Canada–U.S. trade negotiations can resume rather than allowing further escalation of the trade dispute.

Danielle Smith supports using back-to-work legislation to end the teachers’ strike, prioritizing getting students back to class; she criticizes the teachers’ union as unwilling to return and calls for a realistic approach to address classroom complexity while restoring in-person schooling.

Danielle Smith urged the teachers' union to call off the planned strike, calling the potential job action a 'lose-lose-lose situation' for teachers, parents and students, and noting the union had given no indication it would not proceed.

Smith says federal government decisions have hampered the energy industry and contributed to job losses; she argues resolving issues with Ottawa and building pipelines to double production will create opportunities and re-employ workers in the sector.

Danielle Smith praises the WestJet–Boeing deal as historic, saying it reinforces Alberta's reputation as a national and international aerospace and aviation hub. She states Alberta supports business growth and partners with industry, citing support for aerospace facilities.

Smith says she supports restoring the original expense-disclosure rules: continue posting ministers' and staffers' receipts but redact hotel details for security, and her government will re-post eight years of deleted receipts, attributing the change to a miscommunication.

Danielle Smith said she was confused by the expense disclosure changes, that the original intent was to protect safety by hiding hotel names, and that she will seek to reverse the policy change and restore the previous approach.

Danielle Smith supports Alberta taking control of major-project regulatory approvals, calling the agreement the culmination of 'a lot of years of battle.' She says it restores the proper balance while committing to federal roles on water and Indigenous consultation.

Danielle Smith supports shifting environmental assessments to provincial control, saying the agreement removes the need for federal approvals for projects within Alberta, will speed project approvals and result in projects starting construction sooner.

Danielle Smith supports the Canada–Alberta agreement that shifts assessment and approval authority to Alberta for non‑renewable resource projects. She calls the deal a meaningful step that removes the need for federal approvals for projects within provincial jurisdiction.

Danielle Smith supports long-term preparedness for worsening wildfire seasons through significant investment in aerial firefighting — buying Alberta-built water bombers to strengthen wildfire response, protect communities, and create hundreds of skilled local jobs.

Danielle Smith supports a $400-million investment to purchase five De Havilland DHC-515 waterbombers, arguing this fulfills a 2024 budget promise and will bolster Alberta’s capacity to fight wildfires, with some funding also coming from the federal government.

Danielle Smith strongly supports building new pipelines across Canada — west, east, north and south — and endorses collaboration with Ottawa (via a memorandum of understanding) on a new bitumen pipeline as evidence the federal-provincial relationship can improve.

Danielle Smith supports pursuing new oil export infrastructure to reach Pacific markets, is open to alternate routes beyond B.C.’s northwest coast (including expanding Enbridge’s main line and using Keystone assets), and signed an MOU committing Alberta to negotiate industrial carbon pricing while advancing pipeline projects.

Danielle Smith rejects Kitimat as an option for Alberta's proposed West Coast oil pipeline due to navigation complexity. She is seeking a deepwater port requiring minimal additional navigation, aims to complete project planning by June, and urges a swift federal decision.

Danielle Smith supports advancing bitumen pipeline projects—pursuing TMX expansion and exploring a new coastal line—expressing optimism about compromise, pledging consultation with First Nations, and committing to keep B.C.’s premier involved as her June plan outline is developed.

Danielle Smith supports advancing a new bitumen pipeline to the B.C. coast: she signed a memorandum of understanding to lay out a path forward and has indicated she will bring forward a proposal while keeping B.C.'s premier informed.

Danielle Smith says the review shows serious systemic failures and unclear accountability that let known risks persist; she commits her government to work with the City of Calgary to ensure accountability and that relevant recommendations are acted on.

Danielle Smith urges Ottawa to urgently green-light a new bitumen pipeline to the northwest B.C. coast, saying Alberta will apply by June and requesting approval by this fall and regulatory reviews finished within six months to avoid losing market share.

Smith urges expedited development of oil pipelines to diversify export markets, supports building pipelines in all directions—including a BC West Coast route to Asia—has signed an agreement to enable a potential Indigenous co-owned bitumen pipeline, and urges federal action urgently.

Danielle Smith personally supported and signed the new Canada–Alberta energy agreement, calling it "a really great day for the people of Alberta and all of Canada," signaling her endorsement of the agreement advancing Alberta's energy interests.

Danielle Smith supports requiring oil and gas companies to set aside funds upfront—proposing a $10,000 deposit per new well that would accumulate with interest—so reclamation money is available when a well reaches end of life and to address legacy cleanup.

Smith called the pipeline accord a 'clear win' and defended its carbon-pricing element, saying industry doesn't want the system scrapped and that any emitter taxes will remain in Alberta and be redistributed provincially as grants.

Danielle Smith supports proceeding with a new bitumen pipeline to the B.C. coast; she jointly agreed with the prime minister on a path forward and called the deal "a great day for Albertans," signaling her approval of the pipeline development.

Smith supports fast-tracking major energy and infrastructure projects, is negotiating with the federal government to remove or overhaul laws deterring private investment in Alberta's energy sector, and seeks an agreement to work toward approval of a bitumen pipeline to Asian markets.

Smith states Alberta is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 and says the province has a plan to achieve that, while acknowledging humans contribute to climate change but refusing to say human activity is the primary driver.

Danielle Smith says changing the province's coal policy and lifting the Eastern Slopes exploration ban is intended to protect taxpayers from massive legal payouts; she warns 'If we do nothing, then we are told we'll likely lose those cases and have to pay [$15 billion].'

Danielle Smith has called for repealing the federal emissions cap on oil and gas producers, grouping it with the tanker ban and other environmental regulations she labels "bad laws." She seeks removal of the emissions-cap policy.

Danielle Smith directs boosting and defending Alberta's oil sector, advancing major pipeline projects, and increasing oil production to six million barrels per day by 2030 and eight million by 2035, including seeking federal approval for a new bitumen pipeline to B.C.'s northwest coast.

Smith supports maintaining a provincial industrial carbon price (currently frozen at $95/tonne) while remaining open to adjustments; she says the provincial price balances industry viability with encouraging private green investment and favors provincial control over federal enforcement.

Danielle Smith announced she will propose an oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific via northern British Columbia, framing it as "a test of whether Canada works as a country," and blamed a "political decision" and federal regulations for blocking similar projects.

Danielle Smith supports developing and federally applying for a new bitumen pipeline to B.C.'s northwest coast, with Alberta acting as proponent and committing $14 million. She opposes the tanker ban and seeks reforms to the Impact Assessment Act and proposed emissions cap.

Danielle Smith has expressed a favorable view of nuclear power, saying "there's a lot to like about nuclear," and has voiced reservations about wind and solar, supporting exploration of nuclear options for Alberta's energy mix.

Danielle Smith supports changing Alberta's industrial carbon pricing to allow companies to avoid provincial fees by investing in on-site emissions-reduction projects. She says this will incentivize local investment, support economic growth, reduce regulatory burden, and let smaller emitters opt out for 2025.

Danielle Smith opposes the federal oil-and-gas emissions cap, calling it "one of the big problems" she will "use all means at her disposal" to fight, and arguing the cap would deter pipeline proponents by making producers "shut it in the ground."

Danielle Smith demands Ottawa prioritize approving an oil pipeline—preferably linking the oilsands to northern British Columbia—arguing federal policies (emissions cap, tanker moratorium) deter investment and warning that omitting pipelines perpetuates investment uncertainty.

Danielle Smith demands federal policy changes to protect Alberta's oil and gas industry: she calls for scrapping the greenhouse-gas emissions cap and repealing or re-writing Bill C-69, urging repeal or to "dramatically revise" policies to kickstart the economy.

Danielle Smith acknowledged in June that there was 'no proponent' or company proposal yet for a new oil pipeline, but pledged 'There will be soon,' indicating her expectation that a pipeline proposal will emerge shortly.

Danielle Smith expects the private sector to lead potential nuclear power development in Alberta, announced a public consultation panel, and said her government would only create a Crown corporation if necessary while preferring the private market to fund projects.

Danielle Smith endorses creating a Canadian west–east energy corridor/pipeline from Alberta to Ontario to secure long-term energy access, create thousands of jobs, open trade and investment opportunities, and move Alberta's 'responsibly produced' energy to markets across Canada and globally.

Danielle Smith supports a referendum focused on immigration and settlement services, defending proposals to restrict social services for some newcomers and to limit access by non-permanent residents, calling the growing non-permanent population financially unsustainable and an emerging problem.

Smith supports limiting government benefits for non-permanent residents, prioritizing services for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, treating temporary individuals as temporary, and has proposed a referendum on residency requirements, premiums and greater provincial control over immigration.

Danielle Smith says high immigration has 'flooded our classrooms, emergency rooms and social support systems with far too many people, far too quickly.' She proposes restricting newcomers and the services they receive, and will put those measures to fall referendums.

Danielle Smith supports reducing annual immigration to about 50,000 arrivals, with roughly two-thirds focused on economic migrants chosen by the Alberta government; she wants provincial selection prioritized over current federal policies.

Danielle Smith says Alberta faces "out-of-control" immigration that has grown the population nearly 600,000 in five years, and she announced a referendum asking whether Alberta should take more control of immigration levels and restrict eligibility/fees for some provincially funded services.

Danielle Smith says immigration is 'out-of-control' and blames federal open-border policies for straining Alberta's services; she announced a referendum to seek greater provincial control over immigration levels and to prioritize economic migration while limiting access to social programs.

Smith supports stronger provincial control over immigration selection and integration, advocating that newcomers be integrated via labour-market placement. She says provinces should influence who arrives and prefers newcomers to arrive already holding a job or good-paying employment.

Danielle Smith says immigration-driven population growth is creating unsustainable pressures on Alberta’s finances, services, housing and jobs. She intends to address this and seeks greater provincial control over the types of immigrants coming to Alberta, similar to Quebec’s model.

Danielle Smith is directing her jobs minister to use all legal means to give Alberta greater control over immigration, seeking sustainable newcomer levels and prioritizing Canadian citizens' access to jobs so young Canadians do not lose employment to temporary foreign workers.

Smith says Alberta's recent high immigration levels (about 150,000 versus historical 50,000 annually) are overwhelming provincial systems. She wants the immigration system geared to prioritize newcomers who can fill available jobs and to slow the pace to reduce strain on schools, health care and housing.

Smith said she will monitor immigration case-by-case, track departures when permits expire, and does not support mass deportations 'just yet.' She favors stopping problems, absorbing newcomers over time, and getting them working to their ability.

Danielle Smith said her government will withhold funding for new judicial appointments unless the federal government gives Alberta a say on future appointments to the Court of King’s Bench, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada; she said she wishes she could 'direct' judges.

Danielle Smith says Alberta should consider eliminating seasonal time changes following British Columbia’s move. She announced the province will undertake consultations to determine whether now is the right time to make the change, and said she had already discussed the issue with N.W.T. Premier Simpson.

Smith said she will strike a bipartisan committee to study the Forever Canadian petition, noting the petition calls for a referendum and could be placed on the October ballot or put to a legislative vote; she emphasized it is a legal issue needing further study.

Danielle Smith is proposing a fall referendum asking Albertans to endorse constitutional changes — including abolishing the federal Senate and granting Alberta authority over higher-court judicial appointments and program opt-outs with funding; she argues Alberta should appoint higher-court judges.

Smith says she has not signed the separatist petition, supports a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, endorses citizen-initiated processes, and will consider prioritizing a referendum only if a petition obtains the requisite number of signatures.

She supports the Provincial Priorities Act, asserting provincial control over federal spending in areas of provincial jurisdiction and requiring the federal government to negotiate with Alberta before municipalities can accept federal funding terms, to protect municipalities and ensure fair distribution.

Danielle Smith says she supports a strong, sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, allows caucus members to sign a separation petition, and is focused on restoring Albertans' faith in Canada by implementing the MOU to address grievances rather than pursuing independence.

Danielle Smith says she supports "a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada," emphasizing provincial sovereignty while remaining in Confederation. She also refuses to police UCP MLAs' personal actions and allows them to sign petitions, saying she was not aware any had done so.

Smith seeks greater provincial influence over judicial appointments and criticizes judges she calls 'activist' or 'unelected.' She says she wants to work with Ottawa to allow Alberta to assist appointing Court of King's Bench justices so chosen judges reflect Alberta's values.

Danielle Smith opposes Alberta independence and instead advocates for asserting Alberta sovereignty while remaining within Canada; she introduced a bill called 'Alberta sovereignty within a united Canada' and calls for a new negotiated relationship with Ottawa.

Danielle Smith rejects the idea separatists seek U.S. statehood, saying frustrated Albertans want a new relationship with Canada. She says she is forging that relationship with the federal government—focusing on an MOU, a new prime minister and a pipeline.

Danielle Smith rejects the idea that Alberta separatists want to join the United States, stating they seek a new relationship with Canada. She emphasizes negotiating a renewed federal-provincial relationship rather than pursuing U.S. statehood or separation.

Danielle Smith says the overwhelming majority of Albertans do not seek to become a U.S. state; she supports a strong, sovereign Alberta within a united Canada and prioritizes building pipelines while continuing to work with U.S. partners on energy infrastructure.

Danielle Smith says teachers must remain professional and politically neutral in the classroom and that students should not be subjected to profanity, partisan attacks or insults toward energy workers. She shared the audio clip and criticized its contents.

Danielle Smith says she supports citizen-initiated referenda, believes it is important that people have their say, and stated she will "watch with great interest" as the rules are applied to such petitions.

Smith rejects that her UCP is a separatist party, saying Alberta can remain within Canada while asserting provincial sovereignty ('a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada'). She will refuse to enforce the federal gun buyback using the Alberta Sovereignty Act.

Danielle Smith rejects outright separatism, urging Alberta to remain within Canada while advocating significant provincial autonomy—describing her stance as supporting “an independent Alberta within a united Canada” and saying people should feel confident that “Canada works.”

Danielle Smith says international agreements signed by Ottawa should only become enforceable in Alberta if implemented through provincial legislation. She tabled the International Agreements Act to require provincial enactment before federal treaties take effect in Alberta.

Smith rejects partisan framing of the licence-plate design, saying the motto and imagery celebrate Alberta's shared identity and natural beauty. She calls the motto "neutral language," a nod to the national anthem and Alberta's position as a strong, sovereign province.

Danielle Smith has directed her government to introduce provincial legislation allowing Alberta to ignore or not implement federal international agreements that touch provincial jurisdiction unless they are enacted into provincial law, framed as protecting Alberta's authority and due process.

Danielle Smith says she is working with the federal government to address Albertans' grievances to reduce separatist sentiment, cautions that Thomas Lukaszuk's petition is effectively a separatist referendum, and warns of implications if voters answer 'no'.