On March 3rd, 2015, Danielle Smith took office as Alberta’s second female premier. It was a historic moment for the province, as Smith became the second woman to lead the government of Alberta.
Smith, a former journalist and political analyst, was elected leader of the Wildrose Party in 2009. She was the first leader of the party, which was formed in 2008 to challenge the governing Progressive Conservative Party.
In the 2012 provincial election, Smith’s Wildrose Party won a majority government, making her the first female premier in Alberta’s history. Smith’s election was seen as a victory for women in the province, as she was the first female leader to be elected in Alberta since the province joined Confederation in 1905.
Smith’s election marked a major shift in Alberta politics, as she was seen as a more progressive leader than her predecessor, Ed Stelmach. Smith was a strong advocate for women’s rights, and she was committed to reducing poverty and inequality in the province. She a critic of the rights of LGBTQ+ people and Indigenous peoples, and she was a vocal proponent of anti-environmental protection.
Under Smith’s leadership, the Wildrose Party was able to implement a number of progressive policies, including the introduction of a carbon tax, the adoption of a living wage, and the creation of a Human Rights Commission.
Unfortunately, Smith’s tenure as premier ended in 2014, when she and eight other Wildrose MLAs crossed the floor to join the Progressive Conservative Party. Smith’s decision to join the PCs was widely criticized, and it was seen by many as a betrayal of the Wildrose Party’s principles.
Despite her controversial decision to join the PCs, Smith’s election as Alberta’s first female premier was a momentous occasion for the province. Her election was a major milestone for women in Alberta, and it demonstrated that women can be successful leaders in politics.
