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Danielle Smith on Doug Ford

Working ally, complex (moderate)

TL;DR

Danielle Smith currently cooperates with Doug Ford on interprovincial trade and infrastructure while navigating pressure from him regarding separatism.

Key Points

  • Signed two Memorandums of Understanding with Ford in July 2025 to study new energy and trade infrastructure between Alberta and Ontario.

  • Ford urged Smith to "stand up" and denounce the Alberta separatist movement following reports of separatist meetings with U.S. officials.

  • Agreed in a July 2025 MOU to advocate for a federal regulatory environment encouraging private-sector investment in energy projects.

Summary

Danielle Smith and Doug Ford have demonstrated a pragmatic working relationship, exemplified by their joint signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) focused on building energy and trade infrastructure between Alberta and Ontario. These agreements, signed in July 2025 against the backdrop of the Calgary Stampede, included commitments to study new pipelines and rail lines, leverage Ontario steel, and increase interprovincial trade of goods like alcohol. Smith explicitly stated their collaboration was about advancing shared goals to boost trade and get resources to market, looking to work with Ford to unleash economic potential. This partnership contrasts with the political pressure Ford has applied regarding Alberta's internal political dynamics.

Ford has publicly called on Smith to denounce the Alberta separatist movement, demanding she state whether she is "with Canada or you're not with Canada," especially following reports of separatist meetings with foreign officials. While Smith has been clear that her Alberta sovereignty plan is within a united Canada, she has faced criticism for not decisively rejecting the more extreme separatist elements, which Ford has alluded to when calling for her to "stand up" against the push. Therefore, Smith’s position reflects a practical alignment on economic policy with Ford, while maintaining a delicate political balance that has drawn scrutiny from him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Danielle Smith and Doug Ford maintain a pragmatic working relationship, especially concerning interprovincial trade and infrastructure development between Alberta and Ontario. They have signed multiple agreements to foster economic cooperation and build critical supply chains. However, the relationship is complicated by political disagreements, such as Ford's public pressure on Smith regarding Alberta's sovereignty movement.

Yes, Doug Ford publicly called on Danielle Smith to denounce the push for separatism among some Albertans. He framed this as a choice, stating that one must be "with Canada or you're not with Canada." Smith has resisted calls to fully denounce the movement, preferring to focus on her stated goal of 'Alberta sovereignty within a united Canada.'

Smith and Ford have recently cooperated on significant economic initiatives, including signing MOUs to advance energy and trade infrastructure. This cooperation involves studying new pipelines and rail lines, increasing trade in goods like alcohol, and advocating for favourable federal regulatory changes. This alignment aims to diversify trade and boost the economies of both provinces.