On December 27, 2024, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was named 'The 2024 Canadian Politician of the Year' by the Niagara Independent, a recognition of her principled leadership and effective governance during a tumultuous political landscape. Smith, who won the United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership in 2022 and subsequently led her party to a majority government in 2023, achieved an impressive 91.5% approval rating in a November 2024 leadership review. Her tenure has been marked by a strong advocacy for the oil and gas sector, particularly in response to federal policies that she argues threaten Alberta's economic interests.
In a recent development, Smith has been actively engaging in diplomacy with U.S. states, notably Montana and West Virginia, amid a perceived absence of Canadian federal leadership. During her visits, she met with Senators Steve Daines and Shelley Moore Capito to discuss energy and trade issues, further emphasizing her commitment to strengthening Canada-U.S. relations. Notably, she attended an event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, which underscores her strategic approach to fostering connections that could benefit Alberta's economy [d2d2f1b8].
Smith has been vocal in her criticism of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's emissions cap policy, which she believes undermines the province's energy sector. In a bid to protect Alberta's interests, she introduced the Sovereignty Act, which aims to assert provincial authority against federal overreach. Additionally, she has emphasized the importance of Canadian-American trade, especially in light of recent threats from the U.S. regarding tariffs on Canadian goods.
In response to growing concerns about border security, Smith established a new Alberta border security patrol, showcasing her proactive approach to governance compared to her peers. Her diplomatic efforts have garnered attention, as she calls for an election to resolve what she describes as 'federal chaos.' This recognition of Smith as Politician of the Year highlights her significant impact on Canadian politics, particularly in the context of the ongoing discussions among Canada's Premiers regarding economic sovereignty and trade relations with the U.S. [fe4b4125].
However, her actions have not been without controversy. The Alberta NDP has criticized her for her ties to 'alt-right' figures, raising questions about her political affiliations and approach to governance. Pundits suggest that Smith is positioning herself as a national leader during the Liberal Party's reorganization, further complicating the political landscape in Canada [d2d2f1b8].