Alberta Premier Optimistic on Energy Deal After Carney Meet

OTTAWA Alberta Premier Danielle Smith voiced heightened optimism Friday about sealing a federal-provincial energy and environment agreement after meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney in the capital, as a petition drive for a separation referendum gains momentum in her province.

Smith, speaking to reporters hours after the discussion, shifted her language from uncertainty to expectation. "This morning I said if a deal gets signed, and afterwards I said when a deal gets signed," she said. "So that is an indication of my improved level of confidence after talking through some of the areas that we found that were of disagreement."

The memorandum of understanding, initially signed in November, sets conditions for approving a new bitumen pipeline to British Columbia's West Coast, including requirements for carbon capture and storage. It also addresses oil and gas production, climate regulations, methane emissions reductions, and enhanced oil recovery measures. Negotiations have focused on raising Alberta's industrial carbon price to $130 per tonne from $95, with the original April 1 deadline extended to July 1.

Before the private talks, Smith urged swift action. "I know industry is...