(by David Opinko)
As the 45th federal election comes to a close, Alberta’s premier says the status quo relationship between her province and the Canadian government cannot continue.
Danielle Smith congratulated Liberal Mark Carney on his projected win Monday night.
Smith has been dissatisfied with how former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has treated Alberta and hopes that Carney will sit down with her to make things better going forward.
“As Premier, I invite the Prime Minister to immediately commence working with our government to reset the relationship between Ottawa and Alberta with meaningful action rather than hollow rhetoric,” says Smith. “A large majority of Albertans are deeply frustrated that the same government that overtly attacked our provincial economy almost unabated for the past 10 years has been returned to government.”
Over the last decade, Smith claims that the Liberals and NDP have “demeaned and demonized” Albertans, their values and their industries for political gain.
“As Premier, I will not permit the status quo to continue. Albertans are proud Canadians that want this nation to be strong, prosperous, and united, but we will no longer tolerate having our industries threatened and our resources landlocked by Ottawa.”
She says she will facilitate and lead a discussion with Carney, aiming to ensure a united Canada that respects Alberta’s constitutional rights, facilitates the development of Alberta’s natural resources, and treats the province as a valued and respected partner.
The Liberal Party of Canada is currently leading or elected in 168 ridings, just four seats short of the majority government threshold.
Elections Canada, however, says several ridings are still too close to call and that uncounted mail-in ballots or votes cast at Elections Canada offices could affect the results in about one dozen ridings. Counting is set to continue Tuesday morning.
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