Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wasted no time challenging newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney to set up a better relationship with Ottawa.
In a press release Tuesday morning, Smith congratulated Carney for the Liberal victory, but cautioned him that more respect is needed for Alberta.
"As Premier, I invite the Prime Minister to immediately commence working with our government to reset the relationship between Ottawa and Alberta with meaningful action rather than hollow rhetoric. A large majority of Albertans are deeply frustrated that the same government that overtly attacked our provincial economy almost unabated for the past 10 years has been returned to government," Smith said in the statement.
"As Premier, I will not permit the status quo to continue. Albertans are proud Canadians that want this nation to be strong, prosperous, and united, but we will no longer tolerate having our industries threatened and our resources landlocked by Ottawa."
Smith, who has mused on a possible citizen-led referendum on Alberta separation, said it is a mechanism her government is willing to explore if it means the province earns the respect it deserves in Canada's confederation.
"In the weeks and months ahead, Albertans will have an opportunity to discuss our province’s future, assess various options for strengthening and protecting our province against future hostile acts from Ottawa, and to ultimately choose a path forward," she said.
As Premier, I will facilitate and lead this discussion and process with the sincere hope of securing a prosperous future for our province within a united Canada that respects our province’s constitutional rights, facilitates rather than blocks the development and export of our abundant resources, and treats us as a valued and respected partner within confederation.
In her statement, Smith also commended conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for his commitment to Alberta. Poilievre lost his own seat in the House of Commons in the Ontario riding of Carleton and it is not clear what the future holds. He has stated that he intends to remain as leader of the party.
"Mr. Poilievre’s vision for a safer, more affordable, united and prosperous Canada drove the policy debate in this country for the last several years and has inspired millions to see the unique potential of our nation," Smith said.
"While Liberals and New Democrats demeaned and demonized Albertans, our values and our industries for political gain, Mr. Poilievre made empowering Albertans and our energy sector a cornerstone of his campaign. His respect and admiration for Albertans could not have been clearer. He is and continues to be a true friend of Alberta."
Smith said the Alberta government will be holding a special caucus meeting to discuss next steps on Friday.
Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi also congratulated Carney on his victory.
"It’s now time to set aside the divisive battles and come together to serve Canada in a time when the nation is under existential threat," he said in a post on X.
For Alberta, this means working together with the new federal government to make deals that benefit Albertans.
Canadians are tired of the endless political fights. Spending millions on a Fair Deal panel doesn't lower grocery bills, make insurance affordable, or create sustainable jobs.
This is not the time to gamble with the future of our province."
Nenshi added he hopes the federal government will now better understand Alberta and stop paying "lip service" to the province.
"We need a federal government that understands Alberta's economic and social significance. We need a government that doesn't just pay lip service to supporting our major industries—including agriculture and energy—but one that pursues real solutions to improve Albertans' lives," he said.
"This means working together to build national projects, like Alberta's New Democrats did when we were in power. It means regulations that support Alberta industry and jobs, while continuing to fight climate change meaningfully.
"And it means making a deal on health care, pharmacare, dental care, and childcare that helps Albertans get the services they desperately need."
