Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with potential Liberal leader Mark Carney Friday, describing their conversation as “a positive first step” despite their fundamental disagreements over energy policy and climate initiatives.
The meeting, held in Calgary amid speculation about Carney’s political future, brought together two figures with starkly different visions for Canada’s energy landscape. Smith, a vocal defender of Alberta’s oil and gas sector, has consistently challenged federal climate policies she sees as harmful to provincial interests.
“We had a frank and productive conversation about economic growth and prosperity in Alberta and Canada,” Smith said in a statement following the closed-door meeting. “While we have different perspectives on certain files, it’s important we engage in dialogue.”
For his part, Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor who many expect will seek the Liberal leadership, offered measured comments about finding common ground despite policy differences.
“I appreciated Premier Smith taking time to discuss how we can work together on economic opportunities that benefit all Canadians,” Carney stated. “We need to collaborate across political divides to address the challenges ahead.”
The meeting comes at a politically charged moment. Smith’s United Conservative government has positioned itself in opposition to federal environmental policies, including the controversial federal carbon tax and clean electricity regulations. Meanwhile, Carney’s background as a climate finance advocate has made him a potential lightning rod in energy-producing provinces.
Political analyst Duane Bratt from Mount Royal University called the meeting “strategically important for both parties” despite their differences.
“Smith demonstrates she’s willing to engage with potential federal leaders, while Carney signals he understands he can’t write off Alberta if he wants to lead nationally,” Bratt explained. “Neither is likely to change their fundamental positions, but the optics of dialogue matter.”
The Alberta government has enacted the Sovereignty Act to challenge federal policies it deems harmful to provincial interests. Smith’s administration recently announced plans to build new natural gas power plants, directly challenging federal clean electricity regulations.
Energy industry representatives watched the meeting with interest. Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta, noted the significance of the dialogue.
“Alberta needs a working relationship with Ottawa regardless of who leads the federal government,” Legge said. “Energy transition timelines and methods are where we see the deepest divides, but finding any common ground would benefit both Alberta’s economy and Canada’s energy security.”
While details of specific topics discussed weren’t disclosed, sources familiar with the meeting suggested discussions included responsible resource development, emissions reduction technology, and economic diversification.
“The premier emphasized Alberta’s leadership in carbon capture technology and methane emissions reduction,” said a provincial government source who requested anonymity. “She made it clear that Alberta wants to be part of climate solutions, but on realistic timelines that don’t devastate our economy.”
The meeting occurred against the backdrop of recent Statistics Canada data showing Alberta led all provinces in economic growth last year at 4.3 percent, driven significantly by resource development.
Climate policy experts note the fundamental tension in these discussions. Sara Hastings-Simon, energy systems researcher at the University of Calgary, points out that both leaders actually share some common ground despite appearances.
“Both Carney and Smith support carbon capture investment and recognize the ongoing role of natural gas,” Hastings-Simon said. “The disagreement is mostly about pace of transition and the policy mechanisms to get there. Smith favors technology investment without emissions caps, while Carney has advocated for stronger carbon pricing and regulatory frameworks.”
The meeting also reflects political calculations on both sides. Smith, facing a provincial election next year, has
