Premier Smith won’t attend Trump inauguration

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she won’t be attending Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

Smith made the announcement on Sunday after the inauguration was moved indoors due to a polar vortex.

Smith, who is spending five days in Washington on a diplomatic trip, was scheduled to attend the event.

In a statement to CityNews, the office of the Premier said, “The Presidential Inauguration has been moved inside the U.S. Capitol to the Rotunda. Most ticketed guests will no longer be able to attend the ceremonies in person, including Premier Danielle Smith. The Premier still plans to attend the Canadian Embassy event that day.”

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The Premier’s press secretary, Sam Blackett says the premier still plans to attend an event at the Canadian Embassy on Monday.

Smith has been meeting with political and energy industry leaders in what the province says is an effort to promote an “era of partnership.”

Earlier this week, Smith broke with her fellow premiers and the prime minister, refusing to sign a joint statement saying every countermeasure — including energy exports — is on the table when it comes to responding to Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.

“I think it’s disappointing. I don’t think she realizes that she doesn’t have the right to play that role.” said one Edmontonian CityNews spoke to.

Another says, “Why would Doug Ford be Canadian first and why would Danielle Smith be Albertan first? Aligning herself individually with Trump is probably not what we need in the time of kind of provincial unity, so her move to that I think was selfish.”

While some say the Premier’s visit to the U.S. doesn’t align with the nation’s unity, others say it could have a positive impact on the province.

“Alberta has always been a province on its own. I think the fact that she’s going down there and getting into the fold as it is I think it’s nothing but good for alberta,” said an Edmontonian.

Another saying, “We are a resource province, oil and gas… I think she has, besides the diplomatic aspect of it, most importantly is the economic aspect and I think it’ll be a very good impact to Albertans.”

Smith will stay in Washington until Thursday, during which time she is expected to meet with U.S. Governors, elected officials, and industry leaders.

-With files from the Canadian Press