Alberta Premier Danielle Smith encountered a wave of complex emotions from her party members as she presented a new agreement reached with the federal government concerning a proposed bitumen pipeline. The announcement unfolded at the Edmonton Expo Centre, set to the energetic backdrop of Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine,” before a crowd of approximately 4,000.
Smith’s address detailed the potential benefits of the memorandum of understanding signed with Prime Minister Carney, highlighting a possible shift in federal policy. She spoke of scaling back environmental regulations previously opposed by her government, framing it as an improbable victory achieved through Alberta’s determination.
The Premier emphasized specific gains, including a potential suspension of federal net-zero power regulations, possible exemptions to the West Coast tanker ban, and the avoidance of a federal emissions cap – a policy Alberta views as a production limit. She acknowledged past frustrations with Ottawa, expressing understanding for the anger felt by many Albertans.
Smith urged her party to move beyond resentment and embrace a potential new era of collaboration. However, this call for unity was met with a mixed response, a blend of applause and noticeable boos from the audience, revealing deep-seated skepticism.
This reaction echoed a similar scene from the previous day, where Smith was met with groans and heckles when initially mentioning the agreement. A particularly vocal challenge came from Jeffrey Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project, whose criticism of the deal drew a standing ovation.
Acknowledging the conflicted reception, Smith conceded that rebuilding trust with Ottawa would be a gradual process. She recognized that Albertans needed to see tangible results before fully believing in the possibility of change, understanding the depth of past grievances.
Beyond the pipeline agreement, Smith announced plans to introduce a motion under the province’s Sovereignty Act. This motion would direct all provincial entities – including municipalities and law enforcement – to refuse enforcement of the federal gun buyback program.
The proposed motion extends further, stating that these agencies will not prosecute Albertans defending their homes and families. This announcement was met with enthusiastic support and a standing ovation from the UCP members present.
The federal program, targeting assault-style firearms, was launched earlier this year in Nova Scotia. Owners of affected firearms face potential prosecution if they do not comply with disposal or deactivation requirements by next October.
Alberta has consistently voiced opposition to such policies, with Justice Minister Mickey Amery and Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis previously stating the province would not participate in the buyback program. They argued it would not address the rise in illegal gun crime and unfairly targeted law-abiding owners.
The federal government maintains that over 2,500 firearm types have been banned since 2020, and a similar program previously resulted in the confiscation of 12,000 prohibited firearms. The UCP’s annual general meeting is scheduled to conclude Sunday.
