Danielle Smith
Marlaina Danielle Smith is a Canadian politician, former lobbyist, former columnist and media personality who has served as the 19th premier of Alberta and leader of the United Conservative Party (UCP) since 2022.
Standing...
Stories...
Jun 17, 2026
Far Left
Appeals court ruling that tossed separatist referendum question and appointed an independent advisory panel on secession costs chaired by a pro-separation economist.
Criticized by NDP/Green for flip-flopping on separation and legitimizing a costly, divisive movement that undermines national unity and distracts from real issues like healthcare.
Jun 14, 2026
Center
Alberta, under her leadership, selected the University of Calgary to explore the economic impacts of separation ahead of a fall referendum.
Centre perspectives are concerned this provincial initiative fuels national disunity and economic uncertainty by formally examining the implications of a potential departure from Canada.
Jun 14, 2026
Far Left
She is being scrutinized for her inconsistent stance on Alberta's separation debate, with government lawyers appealing a court ruling on a separatist referendum question.
The NDP/Green perspective views Smith's shifting positions on separation as opportunistic and destabilizing, highlighting her United Conservative government's lack of a clear, unifying vision for Alberta.
Jun 13, 2026
Far Left
Her Alberta government is appealing a court ruling that tossed a separatist referendum question, leading to accusations of whiplash and inconsistency.
NDP/Green critics view Smith's government as ideologically unstable and willing to pursue divisive, potentially destabilizing policies, despite polls indicating low public appetite for Alberta separation.
Jun 12, 2026
Far Right
A new poll shows Smith has hit the lowest approval rating of her entire tenure as Alberta Premier, with critics on both sides of the Alberta independence debate expressing frustration.
People's Party supporters see Smith as a partial ally on provincial autonomy and fiscal conservatism, but her inability to satisfy the Alberta independence movement signals she is not delivering the bold decentralization this base demands.
Jun 8, 2026
Far Left
Smith's UCP government re-announced its patient-focused, activity-based hospital funding model in Alberta this week.
NDP and healthcare advocates argue this funding scheme creates perverse incentives to inflate diagnoses and quietly opens the door to two-tier privatization of Alberta's public hospitals.
Jun 6, 2026
Center
As Alberta Premier, Smith is the central political figure governing a province where separatist and federalist groups are now openly battling to shape public opinion ahead of the October 19 vote on Alberta's future in Canada.
The centre is watching Smith carefully, concerned that her provincial grievance politics have created conditions where separatist sentiment is organized and credible enough to threaten confederation.
Jun 6, 2026
Far Right
Alberta under Smith is advancing Education Savings Accounts, with analysis suggesting the province will save millions while expanding parental school choice.
PPC supporters broadly back Smith's push against the ATA monopoly and toward parental choice in education, seeing it as a rare win for individual freedom over entrenched public-sector unions.
Jun 5, 2026
Lean Left
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated law will be enforced against First Nations communities engaging in civil disobedience related to her government's separation referendum.
Liberals view Smith's posture as dangerously confrontational, subordinating Indigenous rights and national unity to a sovereigntist political project that risks fracturing Canada.
Jun 5, 2026
Lean Right
Alberta separation polling showing fewer than half of Albertans would stay in an independent province keeps Premier Smith's sovereignty rhetoric and federal tensions in the national conversation.
Conservatives are watching this closely because Smith's confrontational posture with Ottawa reflects genuine Western alienation, and the poll complicates both separatist momentum and the federal Conservative coalition.