Alberta’s premier says new environment minister a ‘step in the wrong direction’

Danielle Smith calls the new federal environment minister 'a step in the wrong direction' less than 24 hours after she was sworn in. Chelan Skulski reports.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says picking Julie Dabrusin as Canada’s environment minister is a bad idea that forecasts renewed federal opposition to her province’s wellspring oil and gas industry.

“I am very concerned the Prime Minister (Mark Carney) has appointed what appears to be yet another anti-oil and gas environment minister,” Smith said in a statement shortly after Dabrusin was appointed Tuesday.

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“Not only is she a self-proclaimed architect of the designation of plastics as toxic, but she is a staunch advocate against oilsands expansion, proponent of phasing out oil and gas, and for the last four years, she has served as the right hand to former environment minister and militant environmentalist, Steven Guilbeault.

“This is a step in the wrong direction.”

Smith’s chief of staff, Rob Anderson, echoed her comments, saying on social media that appointing Dabrusin was like saying, “fire...meet gas.”

The United Conservative Party premier has demanded changes on the environment file from Carney’s government, including unfettered pipeline access to Canada’s coasts.

She says Alberta, particularly its oil and gas industry, has been undermined for a decade by anti-business policies and laws from the federal Liberals.

Alberta’s Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz told reporters in the legislature Tuesday there are a “few red flags” in the new cabinet, including the fact that Guilbeault remains, but in another portfolio.

“We are working to reset the relationship with this federal cabinet, and so we do hope that the prime minister is serious when he says that he’s going to prioritize economic growth and the overall well-being of the Canadian economy,” she said.

Schulz said she will be looking to take that message to Dabrusin in Ottawa as soon as possible.

Alberta Opposition NDP Deputy Leader Rakhi Pancholi said Smith should be making the case that Canada needs a strong Alberta, and educating Carney’s new cabinet about the importance of getting the province’s natural resources to market.

“We know that there are some challenges in getting these projects off the ground, and we need the federal government working with us,” said Pancholi.

“We’re not going to do that by picking fights on Day 1.”

Since Carney’s Liberals won the federal election, Smith has announced a two-track strategy: negotiating better pro-Alberta policies with Ottawa while touring the province to hear grievances and concerns, including the idea of Alberta separating from Confederation.

While Smith has said she wants Alberta to stay in Canada, her government is working to pass a bill that would drop the bar considerably to allow for citizen-initiated referendums, including one on whether the province should secede from the country.

Smith has said there is growing alienation in her province and frustration with Ottawa and that those wanting to separate “are not fringe voices.”

Federal Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, asked by reporters in Ottawa whether he would denounce separatist sentiment in Alberta, replied, “I’m against separation. I’m a born and raised Albertan. I love Canada. I think we need to unite this country.”

However, he added, “Albertans have a lot of legitimate grievances (over federal oil and gas policies), let’s be blunt.”

“Canada’s biggest industry, which happens to largely be situated in Alberta, has been under attack for the last decade,” Poilievre said.

“The message to the Liberal government in Ottawa is you can’t tell Alberta to just pay up and shut up.”

When it comes to new Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, Smith’s UCP was more upbeat. Hodgson is a former corporate executive who served as an adviser to Carney while he was leading the Bank of Canada.

“I’m optimistic about the approach that he’s going to take, recognizing that ultimately what’s good for Alberta will be better for Canada,” said Alberta Energy Minister Brian Jean.

As for Alberta representation in cabinet, Carney appointed Edmonton Centre member of Parliament Eleanor Olszewski in charge of emergency management and community resilience. She will also be the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.

By Lisa Johnson

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2025.