Alberta Premier Smith demands Nenshi sever ties with federal NDP

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is demanding that provincial NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi formally sever ties with the federal NDP following opposition to the Pacific Link pipeline. The conflict arose after federal NDP leader Avi Lewis condemned the Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline, which has been designated a project of national interest, arguing it poses financial and environmental risks to Canadians.

Premier Smith argued that opposing the pipeline threatens 140,000 projected jobs and billions in potential wealth for Albertans. In response to the friction, Nenshi stated that the Alberta NDP has already cut ties with its federal counterpart regarding such matters, asserting that while federal leaders may hold certain views, the provincial party focuses on ensuring infrastructure is built in Alberta.

Nenshi dismissed Smith’s suggestions regarding the party’s direction, while Smith used the disagreement to call for a change to the provincial party’s name. The tension highlights a recurring divide between provincial and federal NDP stances on energy infrastructure, similar to past disagreements regarding the Trans Mountain Expansion.