Introduction
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has strongly responded to recent remarks by Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal Leader Mark Carney, suggesting that he has issues with “strong conservative women.” The latest controversy adds to the ongoing friction between the two leaders since Carney assumed office last month.
Smith Responds to Carney’s Remarks
Speaking at a press conference in Edmonton on Monday, Smith addressed Carney’s recent joke about her appearing on Fox News. She claimed that progressive men often claim to support women but struggle when faced with assertive conservative women.
“I’ve noticed this with progressive men and how much they talk about how much they support women until they meet a strong conservative woman,” Smith remarked. “This is a pretty consistent type of approach that I’ve seen, not only from the current prime minister, but the former one as well.”
Carney’s Comments on Smith and Fox News
During a campaign stop in Victoria over the weekend, Carney made a remark about Canadian premiers appearing on Fox News. He initially suggested sending Ontario Premier Doug Ford to the network to represent Canada’s stance on cross-border diplomacy but then hesitated when it came to Smith.
“We’re sending Doug Ford on to Fox News to show them that we’re not messing around up here,” Carney said. “And we’re going to send Danielle next, we’re … well, no, maybe we won’t send Danielle. No, maybe we won’t. We won’t send Danielle. We’re going to keep her. No, it was a bad idea.”
Smith’s Perspective on Sexism in Politics
Smith’s comments on Carney’s remarks tie into a broader issue she has raised about gender bias in political discourse. She referenced a speech she delivered in the Alberta legislature in March, in which she suggested that criticism of her policies, particularly in relation to U.S. tariffs, was rooted in sexism.
“They want this lady and Alberta to just sit down and shut up,” Smith told legislators, asserting that her advocacy for the province is met with resistance based on her gender and political stance.
Carney’s Liberals Target Smith in Campaign Ad
As the federal election campaign progresses, Carney’s Liberal Party has used Smith’s statements in its political messaging. One recent advertisement highlighted her comment that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre would be “very much in sync” with the political direction of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
When asked about this on Monday, Smith distanced herself from the comparison, stating, “Poilievre and Trump’s alignment is a question for Poilievre to answer.” She emphasized her focus on provincial governance rather than federal political battles.
A Strained Relationship from the Start
The animosity between Smith and Carney has been evident since his first days in office. When Carney visited Edmonton before the election call, there was no customary photo opportunity between the two leaders. Shortly afterward, Smith issued a list of demands for the federal government, warning of a potential national unity crisis if they were not met.
Disputes Over Federal Energy Policies
A major source of contention between Smith and Carney has been federal energy policy. Smith has repeatedly voiced her frustration over the federal government’s proposed cap on oil and gas emissions. Although Carney initially stated during his Alberta visit that he was not in favor of the cap, his government later confirmed its commitment to implementing it.
