Danielle Smith - A Conservative Voice In Alberta Politics
Danielle Smith is a well-known figure in Alberta politics, having served as the leader of the Wildrose Party from 2009 to 2014. She is a conservative voice in the province, advocating for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual freedom. In this article, we will take a closer look at Danielle Smith's background, her political career, and her views on key issues facing Alberta today.
Early Life and Education
Danielle Smith was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1971. She grew up in High River, a small town south of Calgary, and attended the University of Calgary, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1993. After graduation, she worked as a journalist for various media outlets, including the Calgary Herald, the Calgary Sun, and the National Post.
Political Career
Danielle Smith's political career began in 2006, when she ran for the leadership of the Alberta Alliance Party. She finished second in the race, but her strong showing helped to raise the profile of the party. In 2009, she became the leader of the newly-formed Wildrose Party, which was created by a group of disaffected conservatives who were unhappy with the direction of the Progressive Conservative government.
Under Smith's leadership, the Wildrose Party quickly gained popularity, thanks in part to its strong stance on issues such as fiscal responsibility, limited government, and property rights. In the 2012 provincial election, the party won 17 seats in the Alberta Legislature, making it the official opposition to the ruling Progressive Conservatives.
However, Smith's time as leader of the Wildrose Party was not without controversy. In 2014, she and eight other Wildrose MLAs crossed the floor to join the Progressive Conservative government, citing concerns about the party's direction and leadership. The move was widely criticized by Wildrose supporters, who felt betrayed by their elected representatives.
After leaving politics, Smith continued to be involved in public life, serving as a radio host and commentator on political issues. She also founded the Alberta Enterprise Group, a business advocacy organization that promotes free enterprise and economic growth in the province.
Views on Key Issues
Danielle Smith is known for her conservative views on a wide range of issues, including fiscal policy, energy, and social issues. Here are some of her key positions:
Fiscal Policy: Smith is a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and limited government. She believes that government should live within its means and avoid excessive spending and debt. She has been critical of the Progressive Conservative government's record on fiscal management, arguing that it has been too focused on spending and not enough on reducing the deficit.
Energy: Smith is a supporter of the energy industry in Alberta, which is a major contributor to the province's economy. She believes that the industry should be allowed to grow and prosper, and that government should not impose excessive regulations or taxes on it. She has been critical of the federal government's carbon tax, arguing that it unfairly targets Alberta's energy sector.
Social Issues: Smith is generally conservative on social issues, advocating for traditional values and individual freedom. She has been critical of the Progressive Conservative government's decision to introduce gay-straight alliances in schools, arguing that it infringes on parental rights. She has also been a vocal opponent of the federal government's assisted dying legislation, arguing that it undermines the sanctity of life.
Conclusion
Danielle Smith is a conservative voice in Alberta politics, advocating for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and individual freedom. Her time as leader of the Wildrose Party was marked by both success and controversy, but she remains a respected figure in the province's political landscape. As Alberta faces a challenging economic and political environment, Smith's views on key issues will continue to be an important part of the conversation.
