Carney downplays comments about Smith as ‘lighthearted’
Liberal Leader Mark Carney was asked if he’s worried his past comments about Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will fuel western alienation on Tuesday. Carney said the comments were lighthearted and that he has ‘a lot of respect for the premier.’
During a recent rally, the Liberal leader joked it would be a “bad idea” to put Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on U.S. network Fox News to advocate against tariffs.
For context, the Liberal campaign recently seized on Smith’s comments to a far-right U.S. outlet, when she said Poilievre is “in sync” with Trump’s administration and suggested there are similarities between Poilievre and Trump.
Smith responded, saying she’s noticed that “progressive men” like Carney and former prime minister Justin Trudeau claim they’re in favour of strong women “until they meet a Conservative woman.”
Carney tried to downplay the remarks today. “It was a lighthearted comment. I have a lot of respect for the premier,” he said, adding that he and Smith worked together last month on the first ministers’ agreement to develop a national trade strategy.
He added that a Liberal government would support opportunities for Alberta.
“My government will spare no effort to ensure that the people of Alberta, the people of Canada realize those opportunities,” he said.
