Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants everyone to take notice of what happened on Friday afternoon. After a high-stakes meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa, she emerged with a broad smile, signaling a potential breakthrough on a long-sought pipeline to the west coast.
Previously, Smith would speak hypothetically about what would happen if a deal were signed with Carney. Now, she is talking about what will happen when the agreement is finalized. While cautious not to count her chickens before they hatch, the premier's language suggests the chicks are already pecking loudly at the shell.
Before the meeting, Smith expressed hope of reaching the finish line, noting that the oilpatch and Albertans are growing impatient. They want to see Carney deliver on a solid commitment to the pipeline. After the sit-down, Smith described significant progress, a meeting of the minds, and working on final details. Her smile was genuine, not forced diplomatic courtesy.
Key Developments
The wrangling over how quickly Alberta must transition to Carney's industrial carbon tax target appears largely resolved. Observers note that this marks a departure from the era of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his environment minister Steven Guilbeault. A deal could be announced as early as next week, within days, or at least sometime in May.
Pipeline Commitment
The potential agreement includes a positive commitment to build an Alberta pipeline to the west coast. For Smith, this is an important signal that times have changed from the previous Liberal administration. Skeptics, however, urge caution, recalling that Carney had previously used Dr. Seuss-like language, calling the pipeline probable but not certain.
Interestingly, the timing of the announcement could have political implications. Alberta's independence referendum is scheduled for October 19, and a pipeline deal before then might influence the vote. Smith has consistently taken the independence movement seriously, reminding Carney that he has the ability to defuse separatist sentiment.
Smith was in Ottawa not only for the meeting but also to speak at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference, a gathering of conservative figures. During a Q&A session, a journalist asked what would happen if no deal is reached. Smith reiterated her seriousness about the independence movement, implying that failure could have consequences.
