Danielle Smith touts Alberta supremacy at Rotary International Convention in Calgary

Yahoo

3 hours ago

Premier Danielle Smith welcomed thousands of Rotary International delegates to Calgary on Sunday, using the stage to tout Alberta's economic strength, energy ambitions and approach to addiction recovery.
More than 15,000 Rotary members from more than 120 countries are expected to gather in Calgary this week for the Rotary International Convention, a five-day event that runs through Wednesday at Stampede Park.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony at the Scotiabank Saddledome, Smith — a former Rotarian herself — described Alberta as 'Canada's economic engine,' pointing to the province's population growth, economic climate and natural resource wealth.
'I want to take this opportunity to do just a little bit of bragging about this beautiful province,' she said. 'That is one of the perks of my job. I get to be the lead cheerleader for my favorite place in the world.'
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Smith cited recent Statistics Canada data showing that Alberta led the country in population growth during the first quarter of 2025, gaining more new residents than the rest of Canada combined. Between Jan. 1 and April 1, Alberta's population grew by 20,562, while four provinces and one territory saw population declines, including record quarterly losses in Ontario and British Columbia.
Alberta also had the highest net gain from interprovincial migration during that time.
Smith attributed the growth to economic opportunity and a 'welcoming and free society,' drawing people to the province.
'Alberta has drawn in people from near and far for a few very good reasons,' she said. 'Investors see our low corporate taxes, our skilled workforce, and our business-friendly climate as an increasingly attractive package and our tech sector is growing as a result.'
Smith also highlighted her government's efforts to expand mental health and addiction services, referring to the so-called 'Alberta recovery model.'
'Since 2019, our government has added around 10,000 addiction treatment spaces, including detox treatment and long-term recovery spaces,' she said. 'We recognize that we have a lot more work to do, but the Alberta recovery model is showing early signs of success, and we're very proud of what we have accomplished so far.'
Much of her speech focused on promoting Alberta's energy sector. Smith praised the province's level of oil and gas production — currently averaging about four million barrels a day — and said the government intends to double that output.
'Over the years this industry has delivered extraordinary prosperity to our province and to the rest of Canada, and Alberta is proud to be one of the world's foremost producers of oil and natural gas, and we are proud of what that energy means for the world.'
Smith also noted industry efforts to move toward a lower-carbon future, citing net-zero commitments and the province's leadership in carbon capture and hydrogen production.
'If, as we know, the world will need more oil and gas for decades to come, then our trading partners might as well buy it from a supplier that cares about human rights, a supplier that protects the environment and reduces emissions even as it increases production,' she said.
While Rotary International is not a political organization, the international convention comes at a time of global geopolitical tension.
Rotary International president Stephanie Urchick also addressed the audience, emphasizing the organization's mission to build unity across borders.
'The world right now can feel divided, but Rotary brings together people from every corner of the globe, not to erase our differences, but to celebrate them,' she said. 'That's how we spread peace, because peace is more than the absence of conflict, it's the presence of understanding.'
Rotary International is a global service organization that boasts more than a million volunteer members focused on community and humanitarian efforts.
The convention is expected to pump $81 million into Calgary's economy.