EDMONTON, Alberta — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith hailed a recent agreement with the federal government as a "clear win" for her province during a speech at the United Conservative Party's annual general meeting on Friday, amid mixed reactions from party supporters gathered in Edmonton.
The deal, signed just a day earlier on Thursday by Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney, commits both Alberta and Ottawa to collaborate on developing a new bitumen pipeline to the West Coast. This accord also includes federal concessions on several environmental regulations that Smith has long criticized for hindering energy sector investments in the province. Speaking to an estimated crowd of party faithful, Smith emphasized the agreement's benefits after a question from the audience prompted her to elaborate on its details.
"I think it's a clear win," Smith said, crediting her ministers for their efforts in negotiating the terms. "It's a clear win for Alberta and for my incredible ministers who did a lot of work on that." The premier's comments came toward the end of her address, which covered a range of topics including rural policing initiatives, opposition to new federal legislation, and even the growing sentiment around Alberta separatism.
The United Conservative Party convention, drawing about 4,000 members, is set to continue through Sunday at a venue in Edmonton. Smith's appearance marked the first of several planned speeches over the weekend, with her and members of her cabinet scheduled for a question-and-answer session later that Friday afternoon. The event provides a platform for party members to discuss and vote on future policies, including resolutions that could touch on the province's relationship with the rest of Canada.
While Smith portrayed the pipeline deal positively, not all in attendance shared her enthusiasm. When she asked the crowd if they felt more confident in Canada's future than they had a few days prior, her query was met with a chorus of boos, signaling underlying tensions within the party. The agreement's provisions, particularly its commitment to a future framework of higher industrial carbon pricing, drew sharp criticism from some quarters.
Mitch Sylvestre, president of a UCP constituency association in a rural riding northeast of Edmonton and a prominent figure in Alberta's separatist movement, described the carbon tax element as "insane." "I literally think it's insane," Sylvestre said. "I cannot see anybody being on side of this. I'm absolutely blown away." He argued that the deal fails to guarantee the pipeline's construction outright and predicted a "rough ride" for Smith once details are more widely scrutinized by party members.
"The only way Alberta's getting the pipeline built is if we leave Canada," Sylvestre added, echoing sentiments that have gained traction among some conservative circles in the province. His remarks highlight a divide within the UCP, where enthusiasm for separatism talk was evident as candidates vied for board positions during the convention. Smith herself has navigated these waters carefully, addressing separatism in her speech without endorsing it outright.
The pipeline agreement addresses long-standing grievances from Alberta's energy industry, which has pushed for expanded export routes to bypass perceived barriers in accessing international markets. For years, projects like the Trans Mountain expansion have faced delays due to regulatory hurdles and opposition from environmental groups and other provinces. This new deal aims to streamline approvals for a West Coast route, potentially unlocking billions in economic value for Alberta's oil sands production.
According to the accord, Prime Minister Carney has agreed to walk back many of the nine federal laws that Smith has blamed for stalling investments. Smith noted during her speech that seven out of those nine measures are being reconsidered, specifically mentioning the looming oil and gas emissions cap and clean electricity regulations. "I would say seven out of nine isn't bad," she told the crowd, framing the concessions as a significant victory for Alberta's interests.
However, the retention of commitments to enhanced carbon pricing has fueled skepticism. Critics like Sylvestre argue that such measures could impose additional costs on industry without delivering the promised infrastructure. The deal's language emphasizes "working together" toward the pipeline, but stops short of firm guarantees, leaving room for future negotiations or potential setbacks.
Background on the negotiations reveals a broader context of federal-provincial friction. Alberta has been at odds with Ottawa over energy policies since the early 2010s, with Smith — who became premier in 2022 — amplifying calls for greater autonomy. The timing of this deal, just ahead of the UCP convention, appears strategic, allowing Smith to rally support while addressing internal party dynamics.
Party organizers estimate that the weekend's discussions will shape UCP priorities heading into the next election cycle. Resolutions on everything from fiscal policy to intergovernmental relations are expected to be debated, with separatism likely to remain a contentious theme. Smith's Q&A session on Friday was anticipated to field more questions on the pipeline accord, providing further insight into her administration's stance.
Economically, the potential pipeline could transform Alberta's position in global energy markets. Bitumen, a heavy crude extracted from oil sands, currently relies heavily on U.S. exports via pipelines like Keystone. A West Coast outlet would open access to Asian markets, where demand for Canadian heavy oil is growing. Industry analysts have projected that such a project could add tens of thousands of jobs and billions in revenue, though environmental concerns persist.
Opposition voices outside the UCP have also weighed in on the deal. While not directly addressed at the convention, federal New Democrats and Green Party members have criticized the concessions as a rollback of climate commitments. Carney's office has defended the agreement as a balanced approach, balancing economic growth with environmental goals, but details on implementation remain vague.
As the convention unfolds, the pipeline deal's reception could influence Smith's leadership within the party. Supporters see it as pragmatic progress, while detractors view it as a compromise too far. With policy votes looming over the weekend, the event in Edmonton serves as a barometer for Alberta's political mood, where energy, autonomy, and national unity intersect.
Looking ahead, the agreement sets the stage for joint federal-provincial working groups to advance the pipeline project. Success will depend on navigating Indigenous consultations, environmental assessments, and funding arrangements. For now, Smith's "clear win" declaration underscores her optimism, even as boos and separatist murmurs remind of the challenges ahead.