Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Calls on Prairie Provinces to Unite

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith holds a press conference in Edmonton on Oct. 11, 2022. Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

EDMONTON—Alberta’s newly elected Premier Danielle Smith has written a letter to the premiers of Saskatchewan and Manitoba requesting a meeting to create new economic alliances between the Prairie provinces “rather than waiting for federal action.”

In her Oct. 24, 2022, letter, Smith said one of the first priorities in her new role is to “harness the initiative of provinces rather than waiting for federal action.” She wrote that the war in Ukraine has highlighted a global crisis in energy, food security, and affordability and that the federal government seems unaware of the urgency.

“I believe it is incumbent on our provinces to play a leadership role in expanding and advocating for greater market access,” Smith said. She also asked Saskatchewan and Manitoba to work together with Alberta to expand the capacity of the Port of Churchill rail and port systems.

The Port of Churchill, in Churchill, Man., is a privately owned port on the Hudson Bay in a town accessible only by train or plane. It is the only seaport that connects with railways and the only Arctic deep-water port in Canada.

Smith acknowledged that expansion is costly but said investors have made it clear there is growing interest in responsibly produced energy and agricultural products. According to Smith, Arctic operations are more viable than before.

Smith requested that the three premiers meet in Churchill to discuss the port as well as energy, food security issues, pipelines, and infrastructure improvements to existing rail lines and highways. Smith said this is an opportunity for the Prairie provinces to become more competitive, take a larger role globally, and address food and energy shortages.

On Oct. 27, Smith also praised Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s announcement that his government would introduce the Saskatchewan First Act, a piece of legislation meant to protect the sovereignty of the province’s economic future and natural resources.

“It’s great to see other provinces–like Saskatchewan, follow Alberta’s lead in defending provincial existing constitutional division of powers,” a spokesperson for Smith said in a statement to The Epoch Times.

Smith has also announced that work has begun on her proposed Sovereignty Act for Alberta, which was a campaign promise the new premier made during the leadership race. The proposed legislation is meant to oppose federal legislation deemed harmful to the province.

Rachel Emmanuel contributed to this report.