Hub Podcasts Smith's pipeline politics and Carney's declining approval ratings
Oct 2, 2025
Amanda Galbraith, a political communication expert, and David Coletto, a polling analyst, dive into Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's new pipeline strategy and the backlash from B.C. They explore the friction in Canadian politics, especially concerning Prime Minister Mark Carney's declining approval ratings and emerging voter concerns like cost of living and crime. The duo also discusses the NDP's struggles without a consistent leader, the challenges of gaining national consensus on pipelines, and the implications for upcoming fiscal decisions.
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Alberta Re-Enters Pipeline Politics
- Alberta announced it will act as proponent for a new pipeline after private sector hesitation and regulatory uncertainty.
- The move immediately set up interprovincial conflict, notably with B.C. Premier David Eby opposing coastal access.
Pipeline Approval Tests Federal Coalition
- The federal government faces a hard test balancing Alberta economic interests and B.C. MPs in the Liberal coalition.
- Approving a pipeline will force legislative changes like repealing the tanker ban and risk alienating coalition partners.
Messaging Problem For Alberta's Case
- Alberta struggles to persuade other provinces that oil projects serve the national interest due to regional political power and environmental stigma.
- Messaging suffers from an 'Alberta vs everybody' tone that alienates voters in Ontario, Quebec and B.C.