Premier Danielle Smith is in Quebec City, pushing for closer ties between Alberta and Quebec on issues like energy development and provincial autonomy. Smith is meeting with Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette as well as local business leaders. According to the premier’s office, energy, trade and provincial autonomy are expected to top the agenda. Smith is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address and take part in a fireside chat hosted by the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec. One of the key issues expected to be discussed is the idea of an east-west energy corridor. Smith has repeatedly called on Quebec to develop more of its own natural gas resources and has promoted expanding Canadian energy infrastructure to reach new markets. The visit comes as Alberta continues to debate its future within Canada ahead of an October referendum that will ask voters whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the legal process toward a binding referendum on independence. Earlier this week, Smith estimated an independent Alberta could face nearly $400 billion in transitional costs, along with billions more in annual expenses tied to taking over federal responsibilities. Those figures have been challenged by the Alberta Prosperity Project, the group leading Alberta’s separation movement, which argues the costs of independence would be significantly lower. Smith has said Alberta and Quebec share an interest in strengthening provincial autonomy and pushing back against what both provinces see as federal overreach, while remaining part of Canada. The premier is also expected to meet with Quebec-based companies and industry associations during the two-day visit.
