Overview

• Premier Danielle Smith has labeled the appointment of Julie Dabrusin as Environment Minister a setback for Alberta, citing her opposition to oilsands expansion and support for carbon pricing.
• Smith's government is demanding unrestricted pipeline access to Canadian coasts and the repeal of the federal single-use plastics ban as part of its pushback against Ottawa.
• Chief of Staff Rob Anderson echoed criticism of Dabrusin, describing her environmental stance as incompatible with Alberta's energy priorities.
• The Alberta legislature is advancing a bill to lower the threshold for citizen-initiated referendums, including on potential secession from Canada.
• While Smith has expressed support for Alberta remaining in Canada, she acknowledges growing separatist sentiment and warns that calls for independence are gaining traction.