Canadian politicians, leaders react to Danielle Smith’s UCP leadership win
Danielle Smith #DanielleSmith
After a late start to the UCP leadership vote count, Danielle Smith was proclaimed premier-designate in the sixth round of ballots.
As she took the stage for a speech just before 9:30 p.m., reaction from Alberta and across Canada was instant.
Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was among the first to offer his congratulations, posting on Twitter while Smith was still in the middle of speaking.
“I look forward to working with you as we stand up for a stronger Alberta and Canada,” he said.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford posted a similar message, telling Smith he hopes to meet soon “to build a stronger, more prosperous Canada.”
Premier Jason Kenney, who announced he would step down as UCP leader nearly five months ago, offered congratulations to Smith for her win, “and to all of those who participated in the process for their commitment to the democratic process.”
Smith said in her speech she intends to travel to Edmonton on Tuesday to be sworn in as premier. Kenney didn’t say anything about timing, but added, “there will be an orderly transition.”
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said in a statement that he met Smith at the recent Alberta Municipalities conference.
“I want to extend my support to Premier-Elect Smith and reiterate that we, as Alberta’s capital city, are ready to put in the work necessary to promote and improve Edmonton under her leadership,” he said.
Sohi reiterated that he wants to work with her to “fulfill the provincial government’s responsibility” to address houselessness, and the mental health and drug poisoning crises in Edmonton — issues he’s focused on recently, advocating for more provincial support.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also issued a statement of congratulations.
“We will remain focused on delivering concrete results for Albertans — including making life more affordable, growing the economy for everyone, creating jobs, and fighting climate change while positioning Canada’s energy sector and its workers to succeed in new global markets,” he said.
Smith took direct aim at Trudeau in her speech, accusing the federal government of becoming “an increasingly hostile Ottawa regime that seeks to control every aspect of our lives” and slamming what she called the “Notley-Singh-Trudeau alliance,” echoing rhetoric from the 2019 provincial election in which former UCP Leader Jason Kenney stressed the dangers of the “Trudeau-Notley alliance.”
Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt said earlier Thursday that leadership runner-up Travis Toews, the former finance minister, would likely represent a continuation of current government policies, but without some of the “drama.”
But based on Smith’s recent statements, Bratt noted it appears she is planning rapid transformation.
“Sovereignty Act on day one, firing the board of AHS, firing a lot of senior civil servants, taking steps to create an Alberta tax collection agency and steps to create an Alberta provincial police force,” he said.
“Those are pretty radical moves in a very short period of time. It’s quite possible we could look back at the quiet years of the Kenney government under Smith if she goes ahead and does that.”
In a statement, the president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) said after experiencing “disrespect” from the UCP government’s approach to labour relations, they want to see change.
“We’re willing to turn the page and approach our relationship from a basis of mutual respect and would hope the new Premier is willing to do the same,” Guy Smith said, adding he’s not related to the new premier-designate, despite his last name.
While the UCP results were announced in Calgary, Edmonton-Castle Downs UCP candidate and former city councillor Jon Dziadyk hosted a watch party at the Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre. In a text message to Postmedia, Dziadyk said the party was a sold-out full house on Thursday.
“I like Premier-elect Smith’s attention to free markets and conservative principles. She will add a new focus to health care and other issues that are important to Edmonton,” he said.
At first, Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley didn’t immediately comment on Smith’s win, instead joking on Twitter a few minutes before results began, “Soooo … Anything good on TV tonight?”
But at around 10:15 p.m., she added her congratulations.
“To Danielle Smith, serving as Premier of Alberta and leading a political party is both an honour and a privilege,” she said. “Congratulations on your victory this evening.”
Notley is set to address media in Edmonton Friday for the party to “respond to the outcome of the UCP leadership race and reaffirm their commitment to focusing on the priorities of Alberta families.”
—With files from Anna Junker
masmith@postmedia.com
@meksmith