Freeland says Liberal government respects Alberta electing Danielle Smith as premier

May 30, 2023 | 7:50 AM

OTTAWA — Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the Liberal government respects the choice the people of Alberta have made at the ballot box.

She made the comment on her way into the federal Liberals’ weekly cabinet meeting, hours after UCP Leader Danielle Smith was declared victorious over the NDP’s Rachel Notley in Monday’s provincial vote.

Smith replaced former Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney as premier and party leader last fall amid widespread backlash to his introduction of COVID-19 health restrictions. 

She frequently takes aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his energy policies, which she argues hurt Alberta’s economy.