The United Conservative Party, led by Danielle Smith, won re-election in Alberta, Canada, against the Left-wing opposition, the New Democratic Party. Smith and her party have openly flirted with separatist and sovereigntist sentiments, something unheard of for a provincial government outside of Quebec. Though it remains a minority stance in the province, Smith's policy priorities, including an independent Alberta police force, an Alberta Pension Plan, and upholding the "Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act," could lead to an increasingly functionally separate existence for the province.
Danielle Smith, leader of the United Conservative Party, has won the Alberta election, signaling a further rightward shift in the traditionally conservative province. Smith's victory is expected to lead to more tension with the federal Liberal government, particularly over climate change policies. Smith has faced a series of controversies and gaffes since becoming premier in October, but her win marks a stunning personal comeback. She has promised to stand up to the federal government and proposed a controversial Alberta Sovereignty Act.
The provincial election in Alberta, Canada, could determine the direction of the country's federal emissions and climate policies for years to come. The incumbent Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith of the United Conservative Party, is seeking re-election, but polls show that victory could go either way. Smith opposes almost every climate policy proposal from the federal government, while former premier Rachel Notley's left-leaning New Democratic Party agrees with some of Trudeau's policies but opposes a proposal to cap oil and gas emissions.
