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- Premier Danielle Smith praised Prime Minister Mark Carney for speaking in a way that resonates with US President Donald Trump, describing it as speaking Trump’s “love language.” Smith said Trump responds better to what Canada can offer the US, such as energy, critical minerals, and natural gas, rather than complaints or requests for concessions. Although Carney left his most recent Washington trip without a deal to lift US tariffs on Canadian goods, Smith highlighted that his approach contrasts with previous federal efforts and reflects her focus on Alberta’s energy interests. Remember when she got attacked for suggesting this kind of approach before the election? It’s almost like Alberta knew best all along!
- Smith also urged Quebec to develop its own natural gas industry, framing it as a way for the province to become “strong and sovereign” within Canada while generating new government revenue. Speaking to the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Smith offered Alberta’s support in creating regulatory frameworks and royalty systems for Quebec’s energy sector. She highlighted Quebec’s reliance on US natural gas imports and suggested that developing local resources could reduce dependence and equalization payments. Smith also promoted broader economic collaboration, envisioning Alberta supplying energy to Quebec and Ontario manufacturers, helping rebuild Canada’s domestic industrial capacity. She criticized Canada’s heavy reliance on US exports and emphasized the need to strengthen provincial autonomy, citing Alberta’s support for Quebec’s use of the notwithstanding clause for Bill 21. Former Quebec Premier Jean Charest noted Quebec’s lack of a hydrocarbon extraction culture, but acknowledged that geopolitical changes might reopen discussions about pipelines. Smith stressed that provincial partnerships and respect for jurisdiction could improve Canada’s governance and economic resilience.
- Energy Minister Brian Jean has been directed to boost Alberta’s oil production and pursue new pipeline projects, including a major bitumen line to British Columbia’s northwest coast. Jean’s mandate also includes advancing potential routes to the United States, Ontario, Hudson Bay, and the Arctic, with goals to increase production to 6 million barrels per day by 2030 and 8 million by 2035. Jean called the targets “very realistic,” saying Alberta won’t be deterred by political or regulatory opposition. Environmental advocates, including the Alberta Wilderness Association, warned the plan conflicts with Canada’s emissions reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement. While Jean said there is significant public and Indigenous support for a new West Coast pipeline, critics argue enthusiasm outside Alberta is limited. He blamed federal legislation like Bills C-69 and C-48 for stalling pipeline development, calling for their repeal. Despite environmental and interprovincial challenges, Jean said the plan reflects Albertans’ economic priorities and commitment to energy independence.
- Premier Danielle Smith has directed Alberta’s four Health Ministers to work together to complete the Province’s health care restructuring, improve emergency response, and reduce emergency room wait times. Assisted Living Minister Jason Nixon and Hospital Services Minister Matt Jones will collaborate to transition non-acute patients from hospitals into other care settings to free up hospital beds. Jones is also responsible for publicly reporting surgical wait times and implementing an activity-based funding model that allows both public and private providers to compete for surgeries, aiming to improve efficiency and patient outcomes. Mental Health Minister Rick Wilson is tasked with implementing the Compassionate Intervention Act by 2027, which would allow involuntary treatment for individuals struggling with addiction, and forming an Indigenous advisory committee on mental health. Primary and Preventative Health Minister Adriana LaGrange must review publicly funded vaccination policies and ensure compliance with Bill 26, which restricts gender-affirming care for minors, even using the notwithstanding clause if necessary.
- A provincial panel has recommended 11 changes to improve post-secondary funding and competitiveness, including replacing the current funding model with one based on enrolment, performance, and base funding. The report also emphasizes that institutions must remain politically neutral and uphold freedom of expression, warning that policies limiting debate or favoring certain perspectives undermine public support. The panel raised concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, suggesting some may conflict with institutional neutrality, though critics argue these programs enhance access without compromising merit. Recommendations include more grants and scholarships for students, targeted funds for research and innovation, and reducing red tape in governance. The panel suggests phasing in the new model over five years, acknowledging it may require additional funding to accommodate enrolment growth and cost pressures. Some opposition figures worry enrolment-based funding could disadvantage smaller colleges, while student groups are cautiously optimistic about the changes. The Ministry of Advanced Education will review the report and discuss next steps with institutions.