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Photo courtesy YourAlberta livestream
Politics

Danielle Smith becomes 19th Premier of Alberta

Oct 11, 2022 | 12:46 PM

Danielle Smith has been officially sworn in as the 19th Premier of Alberta.

Past Premier Jason Kenney handed in his resignation and it was accepted by Lieutenant Governor Salma Lakani.

Smith promised to dually and faithfully to the best of her abilities to “execute the powers and trust proposed in me as President of Executive Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Relations for the province of Alberta.”

She started off her first remarks as premier thanking her husband David and family.

“I am truly humbled and honoured to serve as your 19th premier,” she says to all Albertans.

Smith says the province is one of the best places to live, work, and raise and family in the world.

“You can come here from any walk of life and any corner of the world, and if you’re willing to put in hard work… then you’re going to thrive,” she added there are lots of opportunities in Alberta.

Her remarks also included the idea of her proposed sovereignty act following Covid-19 measures.

“I will ensure as head of this government that those rights and freedoms are protected and never be taken for granted again. Together we will stand up to defend Albertan’s charter rights as well as defend Alberta’s exclusive rights over our areas of provincial jurisdiction, which are enumerated clearly in Canada’s Constitution.”

Seniors and the vulnerable population were mentioned. Smith wants them to be able to afford the basic necessities of life.

Smith says the mental health crisis of younger people will be addressed with her in power and “real help” to those on the streets.

“Our generous compassion is the soul of Alberta, and Albertans demand a government that reflects that compassion, especially in these times.”

Smith invites all Canadians to work with the province to build a strong, prosperous, and unified nation.

She says the world’s energy security crisis can be fixed with the country providing affordable energy while being the most environmentally responsible.

“I promise that our government will govern with quality, inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance,” she says.

Freedom, family, faith, community, and free enterprise are the core values of the province, which Smith says, “I am certain Albertans best days are ahead.”

“I do not take these responsibilities lightly and I will ensure I work every day to earn your trust,” she ended her remarks with.