Danielle Smith at the UCP leadership debate in Medicine Hat on July 27, 2022. (Photo Courtesy UCP)

By Canadian Press

Alberta Premier Smith says UCP paying for possible defamation lawsuit against CBC

Apr 5, 2023 | 9:13 AM

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her United Conservative Party is paying for legal action she is considering against the CBC, but hasn’t said why.

The Opposition NDP says it raises questions over why a political party is paying for a potential defamation suit centred around Smith’s actions as premier.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley says during her time as premier there was insurance to cover legal costs for cabinet ministers in the course of their work.

Notley says it’s possible those tasked with weighing the merits of Smith’s possible lawsuit came out against paying for it, forcing Smith to look elsewhere.

Smith says because of the possible legal action she won’t comment on a controversial phone call that was leaked last week.

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On the call, Smith discusses with Calgary street pastor Artur Pawlowski his looming criminal trial related to the blockade at the Coutts border crossing.

Legal experts have said the call is a violation of the firewall separating politicians from day-to-day decisions in the justice system.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 3, 2023.

The Canadian Press