Danielle Smith Fires Back at Mark Carney After Liberal Leader Criticizes Alberta Premier on Campaign Trail
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has responded sharply to recent remarks made by federal Liberal leadership hopeful Mark Carney, who took aim at her government during a campaign-style appearance. The political exchange has further fueled tensions between Alberta’s United Conservative Party and federal Liberals, highlighting ongoing divisions over energy policy, governance, and economic direction.
Speaking during a rally, Carney—widely considered a frontrunner to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader—criticized Smith’s handling of Alberta’s energy transition and accused her of promoting divisive politics that hinder national unity. He argued that provinces like Alberta must play a collaborative role in Canada’s path to a green economy, while also suggesting Smith’s policies put economic and environmental progress at risk.
Premier Smith wasted no time in hitting back, accusing Carney of being out of touch with Albertans and dismissing his comments as political grandstanding from an unelected figure.
“Mark Carney doesn’t speak for Albertans and has never had to answer to them at the ballot box,” Smith said in a media scrum. “His attacks show just how disconnected the Ottawa elite are from the real economic challenges and priorities faced by our province.”
Smith further defended her administration’s approach to resource development, arguing that Alberta’s energy sector continues to be a cornerstone of the national economy and should not be vilified in the name of federal environmental targets. She also criticized Carney’s past roles in international finance, suggesting he brings a “globalist” perspective that fails to appreciate the needs of working-class Canadians, particularly in energy-producing regions.
The war of words between Smith and Carney comes amid growing speculation about the future of both political figures. While Smith continues to assert her leadership within Alberta, Carney’s increasing public appearances and sharp critiques of Conservative leaders suggest he is positioning himself for a return to the national political stage.
Political analysts say the exchange could foreshadow a broader ideological clash between progressive federal leadership and conservative provincial governance as Canada prepares for its next federal election. With energy policy, economic recovery, and climate change at the forefront, the Alberta-Ottawa divide remains a potent theme likely to shape campaign narratives in the months ahead.
For now, Smith shows no signs of backing down from critics in the federal sphere, vowing to stand up for Alberta’s interests regardless of who is in charge in Ottawa.
Source : The Canadian Press
