According to television network forecasts, Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party (UCP) has won the Alberta provincial election, giving the right-wing government of Canada’s largest oil-producing province another four years.
Smith’s victory is likely to escalate tensions with Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over climate policies that harm Alberta’s oil sector, which produces most of Canada’s 4.9 million barrels per day of petroleum.
The UCP defeated Rachel Notley’s left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) in a close election on affordability and healthcare.
ACCORDING TO CBC NEWS, the UCP will retain control in Alberta, but Smith will return to the legislature with a smaller caucus.
In a speech to supporters in Edmonton, Notley acknowledged defeat and congratulated Smith, saying the NDP would add at least ten members and create one of Alberta’s largest formal oppositions.
“Now although we did not achieve the outcome that we wanted but we did take a major step towards it,” Notley remarked.
Television networks announced the outcome three hours after polls closed. Elections Alberta, the official election authority, stated some polling places closed late to accommodate all voters.
Smith, 52, can now fulfill her pledge to decrease taxes for Albertans and oppose Trudeau’s climate initiatives.
Since Smith became premier in October, a series of problems, including a report from Alberta’s ethics commissioner last month that suggested the premier violated conflict of interest regulations by discussing a pandemic-related prosecution case with her justice minister, did not discourage her supporters.
Smith’s victory implies Trudeau’s government will likely clash with Alberta as it aims to slash 40-45% of carbon emissions by 2030.
Alberta is Canada’s highest-emitting province. Thus Ottawa’s climate strategy requires big cuts from Alberta.
Smith opposes a Liberal plan to cap oil and gas emissions because it will cut output and undermine the federal objective of a net-zero electrical system by 2035.
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and Calgary Chamber of Commerce congratulated Smith and her government.
The UCP’s win solidifies Alberta’s rightward trend. Smith also received backing from a burgeoning Alberta populist movement opposed to pandemic-era public health restrictions and distrust of Ottawa.
Alberta’s record resource income from high oil prices will support her government. Even still, provincial unemployment is 5.9%, above the Canadian average of 5%, and the healthcare system is under strain.
The UCP committed to passing a bill requiring a referendum before raising personal or income taxes during the election.
Alberta may leave the Canadian Pension Plan and replace the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with a state force.
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