Danielle Smith: A Provincial Security Threat And Why We Must Stay Vigilant In 2025

We must stay vigilant.

As we kick off 2025, Alberta’s political landscape is once again thrust into the spotlight—this time for reasons that demand urgent attention. Premier Danielle Smith’s recent meetings with Donald Trump, the incoming President of the United States, raise serious questions about Alberta’s political trajectory and the risks it poses to Canadian unity, democratic stability, and national security.

This article isn’t about partisanship. It’s about vigilance. The stakes are too high to ignore the potential consequences of Smith aligning herself with a figure whose leadership style and policy goals have often clashed with democratic norms and international cooperation.

A Troubling Alliance

Danielle Smith’s alignment with Donald Trump is not a mere diplomatic gesture. Trump’s presidency is synonymous with disinformation campaigns, attacks on democratic institutions, and an “America First” doctrine that jeopardizes global partnerships. By engaging with Trump so openly, Smith signals a troubling willingness to import these tactics and ideologies into Canadian politics.

Trump’s playbook is clear: divide and conquer. He thrives on exploiting grievances to consolidate power. Smith, who has already flirted with Alberta sovereignty initiatives and anti-federal rhetoric, seems eager to adopt a similar approach. Her Sovereignty Act, which seeks to reject federal authority on key issues, is a blatant step toward destabilizing Canadian unity. This, coupled with Trump’s encouragement, could pave the way for more radical separatist sentiment in Alberta.

The Security Implications

Smith’s proximity to Trump isn’t just symbolic; it has tangible security implications:

1. Erosion of Federal-Provincial Cooperation

Smith’s anti-federal stance, emboldened by Trump’s support, risks undermining crucial collaborations on issues like energy policy, climate change, and national security. This fragmentation could weaken Canada’s ability to respond to domestic and international crises effectively.

2. Disinformation and Populism

Trump’s legacy is tied to the rise of disinformation, which has eroded trust in democratic institutions. Smith’s willingness to echo Trump’s rhetoric suggests a potential embrace of similar tactics, further polarizing Albertans and Canadians at large. Disinformation campaigns are not merely political tools; they’re security threats that weaken a society’s cohesion and resilience.

3. Strain on Canada-US Relations

An Alberta leader cozying up to a divisive US President risks complicating Canada’s broader relationship with its most important ally. If Alberta becomes a conduit for Trump-inspired policies, it could create friction between Ottawa and Washington, potentially jeopardizing trade and security agreements.

Why We Must Stay Vigilant

History has shown us the cost of complacency. The rise of Trump in the US was enabled by a lack of early resistance to his anti-democratic tendencies. Canada cannot afford to make the same mistake with Danielle Smith.

We must hold our leaders accountable. Journalists, academics, and everyday citizens need to scrutinize Smith’s policies and rhetoric closely. Federal leaders must also take a firm stance, ensuring that provincial autonomy does not devolve into a threat to national unity.

This is not just Alberta’s issue—it’s Canada’s issue. The ripple effects of Smith’s decisions could weaken the very fabric of our democracy.

The Path Forward

Danielle Smith and Donald Trump may seek to sow division, but Canadians have the tools to counteract their influence. By investing in civic education, resisting disinformation, and standing united against attempts to undermine our democratic institutions, we can protect our country’s future.

Now is not the time to turn a blind eye. The choices we make today will define the Canada we leave behind for future generations. Staying vigilant isn’t just a duty—it’s a necessity.

Let’s not repeat history. Instead, let’s make 2025 the year we stand firm in defense of democracy, unity, and truth.

What are your thoughts? Let’s discuss how we can protect Alberta and Canada from these growing threats. Share this article and keep the conversation going. Feel free to leave a comment.