Premier Smith and Minister Wright address separation, trade and healthcare during Medicine Hat visit

“We are proceeding with a question that asks Albertans whether they want to remain in Canada or start the process to have a binding referendum to leave,” Smith said.

“We’ll continue on with that referendum question, and we’ll see what Albertans tell us on Oct. 19.”

Asked whether she met with members of the separatist movement during her visit to Medicine Hat, Smith said she was spending time with residents and constituents.

Smith reiterated that her government supports “a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada” and encouraged Albertans to support the government’s referendum questions.

In a separate question, Smith was asked about Livingston-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic attending the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit in Chicago.

The premier said Alberta MLAs regularly attend meetings with American lawmakers and business leaders to strengthen cross-border relationships.

“I think it’s very important for us to continue to meet with legislators in the United States,” Smith said.

“The best advocates for the Canada-U.S. relationship are going to be American thought leaders, American business people and American elected officials who understand the value of that relationship.”

Smith said Alberta representatives are well-positioned to advance the province’s interests with U.S. partners.

The premier also addressed the latest round of proposed U.S. tariffs, saying she continues to oppose using Alberta energy exports as leverage during trade negotiations.

“I do not agree with tariffs. If you want to use energy, let’s promise to sell the Americans more rather than threaten to sell them less,” Smith said.

She supports expanding pipeline infrastructure to improve Canada’s energy security and diversify export markets, including potential access to eastern Canada and Europe.

Smith has been asked about concerns raised by recipients of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program over changes announced by the province.

Smith said no AISH recipients will lose benefits during the 18-month transition period, which runs until December 2027, as the province invests $250 million to help connect those able to work with employment while continuing to support those who cannot.

When responding to questions about concerns from public library boards over Bill 28, Smith defended the legislation, saying it is intended to prevent young children from accessing graphic sexual material.

Smith said the government expects libraries to provide age-appropriate materials and believes parents should determine whether children under 15 can access restricted content.

Following Smith’s address, Wright provided an update on efforts to restore scheduled passenger air service to Medicine Hat Regional Airport.

Wright said he expects to meet with Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen next week to review submissions received through the province’s request for proposals process, and discussions with the local chamber of commerce, businesses and prospective carriers have identified as key priorities for restoring regional air service.

Highlighting Medicine Hat’s growing aerospace and defence sector, Wright points to recent partnerships involving local companies, including Landing Zones Canada’s agreement with Airbus.

He said the province has been promoting local companies to Canadian and American investors and legislators through recent conferences.

“I truly believe that our aerospace, aviation and defence sectors are going to backfill that,” Wright said, referring to economic activity lost following declines in the oil and gas sector.

Wright also pointed to physician recruitment efforts, saying Alberta has “more doctors than ever before in the province” while continuing to expand healthcare services.

He said the province is reviewing scopes of practice for healthcare professionals and pointed to the Palliser Primary Care Network as a model for the rest of Alberta.

“I really believe we’re going to have a made-in-Medicine Hat solution that’s going to roll out to all the PCNs,” Wright said.

“They have one of the most amazing metrics that they’ve been able to achieve, which is 94.5 per cent attachment rate for people in the region.”

In conclusion, Wright was asked about the “This is Medicine Hat” showcase held during the Calgary Stampede, saying the event helped promote the city to business leaders and investors.

He said more than 1,300 people attended during the first hour and described the event as an opportunity to showcase Medicine Hat’s economic strengths.

Wright said the province will continue promoting the region through international conferences and trade events, particularly by highlighting the city’s aerospace, aviation and defence industries.

—

READ: Medicine Hat showcases economic growth and community strengths at Calgary Stampede event

by Jett Schwaier

Premier Smith and Minister Wright address separation, trade and healthcare during Medicine Hat visit

Our Community