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Global News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Alberta's former Speaker to vote, heckle as brief MLA: ‘Things to get off my chest'
The now-former Speaker of the Alberta legislature says he's excited to display some partisanship in his last days as an elected official. Nathan Cooper announced this week that he is to resign his seat in the assembly to become Alberta's representative to the United States in Washington. The United Conservative Party MLA had been Alberta's legislature Speaker — the non-voting and non-partisan debate referee — since 2019. Cooper told reporters Thursday that he thinks he had a positive impact by softening the relationship between Alberta's two parties, while also making a concerted effort to help people of all ages understand the legislative system. 5:25 MLA Nathan Cooper launches a video series called Retro Question Period But those accomplishments, he said, won't stop him from getting back to his partisan roots in the last few days of Alberta's spring session and his last as a member of the legislature. Story continues below advertisement 'I've also got a lot of things to get off my chest,' Cooper said. 'When I was in the opposition, I actually was one of the chief hecklers, so I look forward to giving the new Speaker a run for their money.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "When I was in the opposition, I actually was one of the chief hecklers, so I look forward to giving the new Speaker a run for their money." Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Cooper, who was first elected in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills in 2015 under the Wildrose Party banner, added he will be voting for government legislation as a number of bills near the finish line with one week left in the spring sitting. 'The numbers are tight in there, and so we need to make sure that the government's agenda is advancing,' he said. Striking a more serious tone, Cooper said his time as Speaker was like a dream, which was why it was a 'very sad day' to see that dream come to an end. He said his distinct Speaker calls, which members from both sides of the house say will be especially missed, were never something he practised. Rather, he said, they were his attempt to make sure members were engaged. View image in full screen In tradition, newly-elected speaker of the house Nathan Cooper is dragged to the chair by Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and NDP Leader Rachel Notley, after being voted in, in Edmonton on Tuesday, May 21, 2019. Jason Franson/ The Canadian Press Cooper laughed when recounting how, in his early days as Speaker, one Albertan emailed him to say that if he wanted to be a ringside announcer at wrestling matches, he should do so. But until then, they said he needed to tone it down. Story continues below advertisement He also chuckled when he brought up that a columnist once wrote that Cooper sounded like a 'bellowing moose.' As Alberta's representative to the U.S., Cooper will look to attract investment, expand trade opportunities and maintain relationships to keep Alberta connected to decision-makers south of the border. He said he didn't have an endorsement for who should take his place as Speaker, but his top piece of advice was to always remain calm. 'You really have to be in control of yourself so that you can help navigate what are sometimes complex and frustrating situations,' he said. A secret ballot election of assembly members will take place Tuesday to elect Cooper's successor. If only one candidate is nominated, then no election is necessary. Story continues below advertisement When Cooper was first elected to the Speaker's chair in 2019, his only opponent was Opposition NDP member and current agriculture critic Heather Sweet. Cooper then faced off against Christina Gray in 2023, who's now the Opposition NDP house leader. Gray wouldn't say Thursday if she'd want to throw her hat in the ring again, saying instead that the NDP caucus hadn't discussed who it might nominate for Speaker. One potential candidate is United Conservative Airdrie-East member Angela Pitt. She served as Cooper's deputy speaker and chair of committees since 2019 and took over the Speaker's role Thursday. There are also rumours that Premier Danielle Smith's municipal affairs minister might want the job. Asked Wednesday if he had any interest, Ric McIver, a longtime MLA and cabinet minister under three premiers, said bluntly: 'Stay tuned.'
Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Alberta legislature Speaker Nathan Cooper to resign seat, become rep to United States
EDMONTON - The Speaker of the Alberta legislature is resigning his seat in the assembly to become the province's representative to the United States. 'Serving this assembly has been one of the greatest honours of my lifetime,' Nathan Cooper said Wednesday in a speech to the house announcing his resignation. 'Working as the assembly's chief diplomat has equipped me in, and to be ready for, my next role serving Albertans in a new and meaningful way.' Cooper will replace former Edmonton-area member of Parliament James Rajotte as Alberta's U.S. representative. He held the role for nearly five years. A government news release says Rajotte will now serve as a senior adviser to Premier Danielle Smith. 'In this evolving landscape, Alberta must maintain and build on our ties with U.S. officials, and Nathan Cooper is the right choice to fill this important role,' Smith said in the release. 'I look forward to continuing to work closely with Nathan as we advocate for Albertans and for our province's interests in Washington and across the U.S.' The government says Cooper will be based in Washington and will look to attract investment, expand trade opportunities and maintain relationships to keep Alberta connected to decision-makers south of the border. Cooper told the house that he will officially resign as Speaker on Monday, and an election of legislature members for a new Speaker will take place Tuesday. The Speaker's role is to preside over debates and proceedings in the house in a non-partisan manner. The Speaker also doesn't vote on legislation. In his speech Wednesday, Cooper said his nearly six years in the role made him the eighth-longest-serving Speaker in Alberta's history. 'I've sat through 345 question periods, totalling 287 hours or 12 full days of question periods,' Cooper said. 'I presided over 2,195 hours of debate or 91 full 24-hour periods, and a whopping 17.9 million words have been spilled on the floor of the assembly.' He was first elected in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills as a member of the Wildrose Party in 2015. When the party merged with the Progressive Conservatives two years later, Cooper became the United Conservative Party's first leader on an interim basis before it held a formal leadership race and former premier Jason Kenney was given the reins. Cooper was elected Speaker by fellow MLAs following the 2019 provincial election and was re-elected to the role in 2023. He found himself in hot water in 2021 after he was one of 16 United Conservative caucus members who signed a letter speaking against COVID-19 public health restrictions imposed by Kenney's government. The following week he apologized for not remaining neutral on government matters, as is expected from the Speaker. On Wednesday, Cooper received a standing ovation from both sides of the house as he rang in the last question period under his watch. 'Honourable members we will have order!' he yelled sarcastically while the clapping and cheering continued. House leaders from both parties also gave speeches thanking Cooper for his time as Speaker. 'Mr. Speaker we all know we will miss the chamber time with you, with a well-timed joke to break the tension, with your careful and steady hand in managing this chamber,' said government house leader Joseph Schow. Opposition house leader Christina Gray said the job of the Speaker 'is not for the faint of heart' but it's a job that Cooper handled admirably. 'Your fairness, humanity, knowledge and deep respect of parliamentary tradition has absolutely made this legislature more thoughtful and more respectful,' Gray said. Individual members from both parties shared the same sentiment with reporters earlier Wednesday, with Parks Minister Todd Loewen saying Cooper kept shenanigans to a minimum. 'He provides good balance in there and is able to keep rein on some of the people that are — and of course I may have been in that place myself a couple times — creating ruckus in the legislature,' he said. Opposition NDP education critic Amanda Chapman said Cooper was well regarded and fair. When asked if she'd want to fill the shoes he leaves behind, Chapman said she wasn't 'the right kind of nerd' to be Speaker. 'You have to be really into all of the parliamentary wonkiness, although it would be cool because I think that you get a portrait in one of the galleries,' she said. Cooper said he will officially resign his seat in the assembly next month, which will leave Alberta with three vacant ridings that the premier will need to call byelections for. With Cooper's seat empty, the United Conservative Party will hold 46 seats in the 87-seat house. The Opposition NDP currently has 36 seats and there are two Independent members. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2025.
Global News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Alberta legislature speaker Nathan Cooper to resign seat, become rep to U.S.
The Speaker of the Alberta legislature is to resign his seat in the assembly and become the province's representative to the United States. Nathan Cooper says serving as the Speaker has been the honour of a lifetime. The Speaker's role is to preside over debates and proceedings in the house in a non-partisan matter, and Cooper says it has prepared him to be a diplomat on a larger stage. Story continues below advertisement Cooper was first elected in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills as a member of the Wildrose Party in 2015. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy When the party merged with the Progressive Conservatives two years later, Cooper became the new United Conservative Party's first leader on an interim basis before it held a formal leadership race. Cooper was elected Speaker of the Alberta legislature by fellow MLAs following the 2019 provincial election and was re-elected to the role in 2023. More to come…
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Danielle Smith: The Alberta Premier who could split Canada with 2026 secession vote
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has proposed a 2026 referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada, escalating tensions with the federal government. Smith, a former broadcaster, aims to give Albertans a voice amid growing Western alienation, particularly concerning energy policies. The referendum, sparked by a petition process, has ignited debate and raised questions about Alberta's future within Canada. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Danielle Smith's rise: from broadcaster to Alberta's separatist symbol Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Referendum sparks talk of Alberta secession in 2026 Alberta flexes its muscles amid growing western alienation Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced a potential 2026 referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada . With rising Western alienation and federal-provincial tensions at a peak, Smith's proposal could redefine Canadian unity Here's everything to know about the bold leader behind Alberta's growing separatist movement and what it could mean for read: Alberta seriously considering secession from Canada as Premier Danielle Smith promises referendum next year if citizens gather enough signatures Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has reignited the national debate over Canadian unity by proposing a 2026 referendum on the province's separation from Canada. Her announcement marks a dramatic escalation in Alberta's long-standing tensions with the federal government. The move reflects mounting support in Alberta for greater autonomy—or even full on April 1, 1971, in Calgary, Smith holds degrees in Economics and English from the University of Calgary. She rose to prominence through a career in media before entering leader of the Wildrose Party, she made waves by turning the right-wing upstart into the Official Opposition in 2012. Though she temporarily stepped away from public office, her political comeback culminated in becoming Premier in October 2022, leading Alberta's United Conservative Party (UCP).In a livestream on May 5, 2025, Smith unveiled legislation that would allow Albertans to vote on whether to leave Canada. If 10 per cent of voters sign a petition within 120 days—lowered from the previous 20 per cent within 90 days—Smith pledged to hold a binding referendum on Alberta's secession in 2026.'I'm not advocating separation,' Smith emphasized. 'But I do believe Albertans deserve the right to be heard if they feel they're being ignored by Ottawa.'Also read: Alberta flexes its muscles, no independence from Canada for now, but a big hint The Alberta secession referendum is already stirring controversy across Canada. While actual independence is improbable, political analysts argue the threat alone could be a powerful tool in negotiations with the federal critics see the proposal as a political bluff, but her supporters argue that it's a necessary assertion of Alberta's rights within the between Alberta and Ottawa have soared in recent years, particularly around energy policy. Smith has repeatedly attacked federal climate regulations, which she claims are stifling Alberta's oil and gas sector. 'We just want to be free to develop and export that incredible wealth of resources we have,' she government's "Alberta Next" panel will chair public consultations across the province to explore autonomy options—including constitutional challenges to federal mandates. The panel's proposals are expected to frame the 2026 the issue gained traction after U.S. President Donald Trump provocatively suggested Canada could become America's '51st state.' While dismissed by many as political theater, the statement reflects increasing global interest in Alberta's sovereignty approach parallels Quebec's referenda in 1980 and 1995—both of which failed but left a lasting impact on Canadian Alberta may be writing its own chapter in that history.
Winnipeg Free Press
03-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Stains, rips and tears': Alberta government defends $280K carpet in Smith's office
EDMONTON – Alberta's government is defending a hefty bill to replace the carpet in Premier Danielle Smith's office, after it became a point of attack in question period. The provincial infrastructure ministry said Friday in a statement that the previous carpet in the 6,500-square-foot legislature space was in poor condition, riddled with 'stains, rips and tears' and more than 20 years old. It said the province recently spent about $280,000 to purchase and install new red carpet. The cost also included abatement work and removal of the old one. 'The legislature is an important part of Alberta's history, and renewal work ensures it remains in good condition to serve Albertans for generations to come,' the statement said. Independent legislature member Scott Sinclair said this week that government spending is 'out of control' and out of touch, considering Alberta is staring down a forecasted $5-billion deficit. Sinclair was kicked out of the United Conservative Party caucus earlier this year for threatening to vote against the budget. 'To the premier: Do you think spending a quarter-million dollars to roll yourself out on a red carpet every day is a responsible way of spending taxpayers' money when you run Trudeau-style deficits?' Sinclair asked in question period Thursday. He added that the price tag would even make former premier Alison Redford blush. Redford resigned in 2014 following a series of spending controversies. Finance Minister Nate Horner stood up to respond in place of the premier and said the government's income tax cut would address affordability concerns. Sinclair said it's a 'tale as old as time' to see a premier spend on wants not needs. 'Don't you think this kind of luxurious spending sends the wrong message to everyday Albertans when we can't get highways and health care?' 'You know, the member is not wrong,' said Horner. 'Highways, hospitals, schools: these are all our fundamental, principal concerns. 'We need to ensure that dollars go further now than ever, and we have to do that in a time of great inflation, of trade uncertainty, of logistical challenges.' Sinclair proceeded to quote Smith when she was leader of the now-defunct Wildrose Party and criticized Redford's spending as 'duplicitous, entitled, secretive, wasteful and completely out of touch with the priorities of everyday Albertans.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sinclair also claimed Thursday that the province is spending $300,000 on china for Government House in Edmonton, which hosts government functions and ceremonies. The Infrastructure ministry said that's not true. The prestigious venue's inventory of dinnerware, dating back to the 1990s, is set to be replaced. 'Breakage, wear and tear has resulted in low inventory of tableware resulting in the inability to properly serve meetings and events,' it said, adding that a procurement process is underway. 'Alberta's Protocol Office has recommended any purchase be of basic tableware due to limited budget.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 2, 2025.
