Alberta’s new premier: What’s next for Danielle Smith?
Alberta’s new premier is being sworn in next week.
Danielle Smith was voted the new United Conservative Party leader, becoming the 19th premier of Alberta Thursday after winning 53 per cent of the vote.
Today we start putting Alberta First!!!
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Alberta, thank you for the trust you have placed in me. I am incredibly honoured to be your Premier and will work hard everyday to serve you.
Our best days are ahead.#cdnpoli #abpoli #ableg pic.twitter.com/QCDFwfj4F1
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) October 7, 2022
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As Danielle Smith is set to be sworn in as Alberta’s next premier, the question of UCP unity remains.
What can Albertans expect and watch out for in the upcoming months?
“It’s going to be a very interesting few months to watch,” said Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University.
“That could be an indication that there’s a little bit of tension right off the bat.”
Related Article: Danielle Smith wins UCP leadership to become Alberta premier
Williams says Smith’s cabinet selections could indicate whether she’s making headway in terms of party unity.
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“If for example, Travis Toews is not in her cabinet, or not in finance in her cabinet, that could be an indication that there’s a little bit of tension right off the bat,” said Williams.
Among other concerns is whether or not Smith will call a snap election. On Oct. 3, she shot down the idea, opting to stick to the general election date in May.
But Williams says certain circumstances might force her hand.
“I think the only reason why she might want to call an election sooner than later is if she’s having trouble bringing the caucus together. If she’d prefer to replace some of the people that aren’t going along with her,” said Williams.
Related Article: Alberta MLA steps aside, encourages incoming premier Smith to run in the seat
But Smith still needs to secure a seat in the legislature. UCP MLA Michaela Frey submitted her letter of resignation Friday.
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She’s encouraging the premier to run in her place in the Brooks-Medicine Hat riding.
“I think that there’s no better way to provide a spotlight to the region that deserves a spotlight like Brooks-Medicine Hat does; there’s no better way to provide that spotlight than having the premier-designate be elected as MLA,” said Frey.
Smith says she’ll visit the riding this weekend to meet with Frey’s board and the local campaign team before making a formal announcement next week.
“The reality is, it’s a safe region. This is one of the areas where Danielle Smith’s support is very strong,” said Williams.
