Carney jabs Smith in B.C. as the campaign heats up in the West. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith responds fiercely at his first stop.
Western Campaign Trail Ignites with Political Crossfire: Carney Jabs Smith
At a packed community event in Victoria, Liberal Leader Mark Carney kicked off his Western Canada campaign tour not just with policy promises—but with a pointed joke that has rippled through Alberta’s political circles.
Referencing recent U.S. tariff tensions and Canada’s response, Carney quipped:
“We’re sending Doug Ford to Fox News to show them we’re not messing around… and maybe we’ll send Danielle next — well, maybe we won’t.”
Cue nervous laughter, a grimace, and immediate headlines.
The comment, delivered with humor, landed hard—and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wasted no time in returning fire.
“I Don’t Shut Up”: Smith Strikes Back at Carney Jabs
Responding from Edmonton, Smith dismissed the jab and doubled down on her role in international advocacy.
“Telling me to ‘sit down and shut up’ isn’t going to work. I don’t shut up.”
Smith affirmed she would continue representing Alberta’s interests loudly and publicly—“whether he likes it or not.”
Her remarks follow a month of high-profile media appearances in the U.S., including a sit-down with Breitbart where she urged Washington to delay tariffs and praised Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s alignment with emerging American policies.
From Trade Tensions to Climate Contrasts: Carney Jabs Smith on Key Issues
Carney’s appearance in Victoria marked a pivotal shift in his campaign geography. After two weeks mostly rooted in Eastern Canada, his tour now focuses on B.C., where border concerns, Trump-era policies, and environmental policies are shaping the regional narrative.
The Liberal leader touched on the need for a stronger green energy transition and defended Canada’s sovereignty in the face of Trump’s economic threats, which have surged to the top of voter concerns in recent polls.
Supporters in Victoria echoed these sentiments:
“We need someone experienced, someone who won’t buckle under Trump’s pressure,” said Sylvia Samborski.
Others voiced frustration at being politically overlooked: “It’s time Vancouver Island had someone in Ottawa who actually speaks for us,” said John Ellis.
McKenna Makes a Cameo — With a Message for Alberta Premier Smith
Joining Carney at the rally was former environment minister Catherine McKenna, whose presence reinforced the Liberals’ environmental stance. Wearing a shirt that read “Women change politics,” she emphasized the need to combat climate change and misinformation.
Despite past divisions over the carbon levy, McKenna expressed support for Carney’s strategy, while urging better communication on climate policy in the face of “disinformation” campaigns.
What’s Next for Carney’s Western Push: Poilievre vs Carney Out West
Following Victoria, Carney is scheduled to:
- Hold press briefings throughout B.C.
- Meet with Premier David Eby
- Host a major evening rally in Richmond
This Western leg of the campaign could be crucial. Not only are Liberals leading in national polls, but Carney is also outpacing Poilievre in favourability, with growing traction in urban and border communities.
Final Word: From Humor to Headlines — Carney Jabs Smith Amplifies Political Theatre
While Carney may have meant his comments in jest, they’ve underscored the deep political divide—and the sharp edge this campaign now carries. With Smith unshaken and Carney unapologetic, the race out West promises more than just policy talk—it promises political theatre.
Stay with Maple News Wire for on-the-ground updates and sharp insights as the election battle unfolds coast to coast.
