Catalonia and post-Brexit U.K. illustrate the dangers of separatism and divisive rhetoric. Both Alberta and Ottawa must act to address western alienation and prevent a catastrophic scenario.
UCP Leader Danielle Smith makes her victory speech in Calgary on May 29, 2023. Alberta’s United Conservative Party rode a wave of rural support to win a renewed majority in the provincial election — but not before the NDP took a big bite out of its support.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Danielle Smith’s win in the Alberta election can be traced to her decision to moderate her stance on some extreme issues that had helped her win the leadership of the United Conservative Party.
A health-care worker appears to give the middle finger as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces a public health guarantee in Sherwood Park, Alta.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
The 2023 Alberta election is about far more than left versus right. The UCP’s record in office means the votes of Albertans on May 29 are about choosing province over party.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks at a news conference in Edmonton in November 2022.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
The Free Alberta Strategy is in fact a road map for Alberta sovereignty, touching on the most essential compartment of sovereignty — banking and currency.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith appears at a news conference in Edmonton in October 2022.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Danielle Smith’s grasp of Indigenous issues seems rooted not in genuine allyship and justice but in the appropriation of Indigenous experiences to advance white grievance politics.
The oil painting The Fathers of Confederation by Rex Woods (1968).
(Ourcommons.ca)
Our country can only remain united if we allow space for regional differences to flourish rather than trying to impose one-size-fits-all solutions.
Danielle Smith celebrates after being chosen as the new leader of the United Conservative Party and next Alberta premier in Calgary, Alta., Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Danielle Smith’s win in the UCP leadership race follows the populist playbook. Will her time in office be a brief interlude, or the start of a significant challenge to national unity?