Hello, welcome to Politics Insider. Let’s look at what happened today.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that she will not demonize the approximately one million Albertans who are open to separation from Canada, and that they need to be shown with actions that the country can work.
She made her comments after British Columbia Premier David Eby said earlier today that the Alberta separatists who travelled to Washington looking for political support are engaged in treason.
Bill Curry, Ian Bailey and Matthew Scace report on the national unity concerns that were top of mind Thursday, when Prime Minister Mark Carney met with the premiers on Parliament Hill for a first ministers meeting.
A referendum on Alberta sovereignty could take place this fall, while the sovereigntist Parti Québécois is leading public opinion polls ahead of an autumn election and is promising a third sovereignty referendum if it wins.
Besides discussing those concerns, Mr. Carney and the premiers pledged to work together on internal and international trade, as well as moving ahead with major projects.
The comments regarding national unity stem were prompted by a recent report in the Financial Times that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration had held covert meetings with Alberta separatists.
Jeff Rath, legal counsel of the Alberta Prosperity Project, told the FT the separatist group met with U.S. State Department officials in Washington in April and are seeking another meeting next month.
B.C. Premier David Eby speaks with reporters before the First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa on Thursday.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
What else is going on
Conservative Party convention: The Globe’s Stephanie Levitz reports that delegates are set to decide whether Leader Pierre Poilievre will receive a second chance. She also looks at what delegates will be debating.
Canada’s trade deficit: Economic reporter Mark Rendell reports that the trade deficit widened in November, as gold shipments plunged and exports of automobiles and parts hit a three-year low.
Ontario takes over Peel District School Board: Education Minister Paul Calandra said he’s taking over the second-largest school board in the province, bringing the total number of boards under supervision to seven. He is also threatening to seize control of another board in two weeks if it does not address governance and financial concerns. Read more from The Globe’s Dave McGinn here.
NDP leadership race: The NDP has blocked Yves Engler’s wife, Bianca Mugyenyi, from joining the party’s federal leadership race partly on the grounds that she would be a proxy candidate, The Globe’s Marie Woolf reports. Meanwhile, today is the membership deadline to be able to vote in the race, as well as the last day to pay the final instalment of the entry fee.
Most Livable Cities: The Globe’s annual ranking of most livable cities is out. Notably, Ottawa ranks as the country’s most livable major city. Read more about the ranking here.
On our radar
Prime Minister’s Day: Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting a first ministers meeting in Ottawa. This evening, he will participate in an event highlighting the Canadian film and television sector.
Party Leaders: Green Party Leader Elizabeth May attended Parliament in person. Pierre Poilievre is in Calgary for the Conservative convention.
Ministers on the Road: In Edmonton, Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski was at a food bank to highlight the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, as well as initiatives to tackle food insecurity.
Quote of the Day
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew: They want there to be a heated rivalry between [Ontario Premier] Doug Ford and I, but we’re on the same team — we’re going into the corners together.
Prime Minister Mark Carney: I want you to just take that image, the heated rivalry between Doug Ford and Wab Kinew.
Question period
In what year was Billy Joel’s hit single We Didn’t Start The Fire released?
Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for the answer.
Perspectives
Poilievre needs to relaunch for the broader public, not just his party’s base
Mr. Poilievre clearly loved being the rally leader. He enjoyed his slogans, his punch-in-the-face rhetoric and the promise to serve a comeuppance to the Liberals. Rally-goers loved it, too. On Friday, he needs to be more prime ministerial than rally leader.
— Campbell Clark, The Globe and Mail Chief Political Writer
Carney’s speech makes Canada a threat to Trump
Given the variables, it might have been prudent for Mr. Carney, with trade negotiations around the corner, to hold his fire.
— Lawrence Martin, The Globe and Mail Public Affairs Columnist
In an uncertain climate, Canada needs a civil defence corps
In a crisis, defence will depend on citizens who are informed, trained and organized. We have not prepared them, and at present, Canada is not ready.
— Marcus Kolga, Macdonald-Laurier Institute Senior Fellow
Go deeper
- Follow along for our stories on Canada-U.S. relations as news develops
- Get the latest insight and analysis from our political opinion writers
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The answer to today’s question: We Didn’t Start The Fire was released in 1989. It’s been on my mind lately, given the numerous newsy events that have already happened in 2026.