Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is under fire following her announcement to speak at a fundraiser hosted by PragerU, where she is set to share the stage with controversial conservative commentator Ben Shapiro. Scheduled for March 27, 2025, this gala will take place in South Florida, with tickets priced at $1,500 USD each. Critics are urging Smith to cancel her appearance, describing it as incompatible with the values Alberta stands for.
Smith's office defends the appearance, claiming it is an opportunity to convey Alberta's message to influential audiences amid the backdrop of increasing trade tensions with the United States. According to Sam Blackett, Smith's press secretary, "This event provides the opportunity for the premier to share Alberta and Canada’s message with an active, engaged, and influential U.S. audience." This justification, aimed at portraying Smith as engaging with U.S. interests, has not quelled the backlash.
Leading the charge against Smith's involvement is Alberta's NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, who has characterized Shapiro as an "extremist." Nenshi stated, "For $1,500 USD a ticket, Danielle Smith will share the stage with a man who said Arabs ‘live in open sewage’... This American speaking tour won’t reduce Trump tariffs, but it will send a signal to Albertans"—implying concern over how Smith's actions might reflect her priorities, which some believe lean toward her far-right base rather than the interests of everyday Albertans.
Nenshi's condemnation highlights Shapiro's controversial history, which includes divisive remarks about various social issues and past suggestions of U.S. annexation of Canada. The politician added, "Danielle Smith should cancel this event immediately and focus on Albertans’ priorities, not those of her extremist friends." This encapsulation of Nenshi's views raises questions about the appropriateness of Smith's image as she continues to grapple with public perception against the backdrop of increasing dissatisfaction over her political ties and decisions.
Before this impending gala, Smith defended her decisions during multiple appearances, including one on Breitbart News, where she critiqued Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's handling of tariffs from the U.S. During this discussion, she labeled Trudeau as having "got Canada ‘into a ditch’" due to his diplomatic approach with the Trump administration. Her remarks indicate significant tension relating to the current political climate between Canada and the U.S., particularly as the White House has launched tariffs on Canadian goods.
The attendance of Canadian officials on the U.S. speaking circuit has drawn ire from various quarters, especially relating to the use of taxpayer money for these endeavors. Critics are particularly troubled by the fact Smith’s travel expenses, associated with this Florida trip, will be funded by Alberta taxpayers. “Given this travel will be part of the premier’s advocacy in the U.S., the costs for the premier’s travel and accommodations will be covered by Alberta’s government,” Smith’s office confirmed, though it did not specify how many staff would accompany her.
This decision has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding Smith’s choices as she strives to balance her political ambitions with her responsibilities to the constituents of Alberta. Critics like law professor Timothy Caulfield weigh in, noting, "PragerU and Shapiro are sources of misinformation, polarization and rage. The fact she thinks this is normal for a premier speaks to how far down the rabbit hole she has fallen." Such assertions bring to light questions about the impact of Smith’s affiliations on her leadership and reputation.
Meanwhile, Alberta remains embroiled in heightened economic and social tension as locals respond to trade policies and political alignments, especially with pending tariffs on products ranging from oil to cars. The economic ramifications are palpable, as trade relations wax and wane, especially during election seasons when leaders seek approval and support from increasingly polarized constituencies.
Smith's travel to the U.S. at such a contentious time has raised eyebrows, particularly when many Canadians are encouraged to spend their tourism dollars domestically. The juxtaposition of Smith's intent to advocate for Alberta at the expense of public trust highlights the precarious relationship between populism and political strategy.
Lastly, these developments prompt questions about the long-term ramifications of Smith's choices for Alberta's future political environment. Her engagement with controversial figures and platforms could alienate other constituents who prioritize inclusive and respectful dialogue.
With the eyes of the province and the nation on her, Premier Smith's upcoming speech serves as both opportunity and risk—a delicate balance many politicians strive to maintain amid the clamor of public opinion and the ever-evolving political discourse.