Danielle Smith takes defiant stance against federal government in victory speech

Political observers are questioning how the relationship between the federal and Alberta governments will progress after Danielle Smith’s UCP was re-elected to a majority Monday.

Those questions were thrust to the fore after Smith’s own victory speech.

“We need to come together no matter how we voted to stand shoulder to shoulder against soon-to-be-announced Ottawa policies that would significantly harm our provincial economy,” Smith told supporters at her headquarters in Calgary.

“Hopefully the prime minister and his caucus are watching tonight.”

Smith takes frequent aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over his energy policies, from the carbon price to introducing measures that aim to reduce emissions from the oil and gas industry, arguing they hurt Alberta’s economy.

Smith did receive cordial congratulations from political leaders in Ottawa Tuesday.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party of Alberta on their re-election,” Trudeau said in a statement.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Premier Smith and the provincial government to deliver results for Albertans – including growing the economy, creating good jobs for the middle class, improving health care, continuing to position Alberta as a leader in clean energy, and making life more affordable. We will also continue to build on the progress we have made to deliver affordable child care to families in Alberta and move forward on the path of reconciliation.”

Trudeau said he was scheduled to speak to Smith Tuesday afternoon.

Congratulations, @ABDanielleSmith. Let’s keep working together to deliver results for Albertans – let’s create more good jobs, grow our economy, and continue to position Alberta as a leader in clean energy. https://t.co/foU89582ff

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 30, 2023

The Alberta NDP’s defeat also prompted a response from federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

“It wasn’t the result we hoped for but I am grateful for all the hard work from Rachel Notley and Alberta’s NDP team,” Singh tweeted.

“It doesn’t end here, Alberta. The fight continues — to protect healthcare, make sure our schools are welcoming to all kids, and save people’s pensions.”

Singh said the NDP “changed the landscape of politics” in Alberta in creating a two-party system.

It wasn't the result we hoped for but I am grateful for all the hard work from Rachel Notley and Alberta's NDP team.

It doesn't end here, Alberta.

The fight continues — to protect healthcare, make sure our schools are welcoming to all kids, and save people's pensions.

— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) May 30, 2023

Of all federal cabinet ministers, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault has been the pointed in his criticism of Alberta. Tuesday he claimed he was optimistic.

“I’m confident that we will be able to work our differences up with them,” said Guilbeault.

Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson also struck an optimistic tone about the hope of finding common ground on priorities such as the development of hydrogen and mining of critical minerals.

“Canada works best when Canadians work together,” he told reporters Tuesday.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who endorsed Smith in the final stretch of the campaign, said on Twitter that Alberta voters have “rejected the woke NDP-Liberal coalition.”

—With files from The Canadian Press