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<\/p>\n\u201cWe are proceeding with a question that asks Albertans whether they want to remain in Canada or start the process to have a binding referendum to leave,\u201d Smith said. <\/p>\n
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\u201cWe\u2019ll continue on with that referendum question, and we\u2019ll see what Albertans tell us on Oct. 19.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked whether she met with members of the separatist movement during her visit to Medicine Hat, Smith said she was spending time with residents and constituents.<\/p>\n
Smith reiterated that her government supports \u201ca sovereign Alberta within a united Canada\u201d and encouraged Albertans to support the government\u2019s referendum questions.<\/p>\n
In a separate question, Smith was asked about Livingston-Macleod MLA Chelsae Petrovic attending the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit in Chicago.<\/p>\n
The premier said Alberta MLAs regularly attend meetings with American lawmakers and business leaders to strengthen cross-border relationships.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s very important for us to continue to meet with legislators in the United States,\u201d Smith said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe best advocates for the Canada-U.S. relationship are going to be American thought leaders, American business people and American elected officials who understand the value of that relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith said Alberta representatives are well-positioned to advance the province\u2019s interests with U.S. partners.<\/p>\n
The premier also addressed the latest round of proposed U.S. tariffs, saying she continues to oppose using Alberta energy exports as leverage during trade negotiations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do not agree with tariffs. If you want to use energy, let\u2019s promise to sell the Americans more rather than threaten to sell them less,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n
She supports expanding pipeline infrastructure to improve Canada\u2019s energy security and diversify export markets, including potential access to eastern Canada and Europe.<\/p>\n
Smith has been asked about concerns raised by recipients of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program over changes announced by the province.<\/p>\n
Smith said no AISH recipients will lose benefits during the 18-month transition period, which runs until December 2027, as the province invests $250 million to help connect those able to work with employment while continuing to support those who cannot.<\/p>\n
When responding to questions about concerns from public library boards over Bill 28, Smith defended the legislation, saying it is intended to prevent young children from accessing graphic sexual material.<\/p>\n
Smith said the government expects libraries to provide age-appropriate materials and believes parents should determine whether children under 15 can access restricted content.<\/p>\n
Following Smith\u2019s address, Wright provided an update on efforts to restore scheduled passenger air service to Medicine Hat Regional Airport.<\/p>\n
Wright said he expects to meet with Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen next week to review submissions received through the province\u2019s request for proposals process, and discussions with the local chamber of commerce, businesses and prospective carriers have identified as key priorities for restoring regional air service.<\/p>\n
Highlighting Medicine Hat\u2019s growing aerospace and defence sector, Wright points to recent partnerships involving local companies, including Landing Zones Canada\u2019s agreement with Airbus.<\/p>\n
He said the province has been promoting local companies to Canadian and American investors and legislators through recent conferences.<\/p>\n
\u201cI truly believe that our aerospace, aviation and defence sectors are going to backfill that,\u201d Wright said, referring to economic activity lost following declines in the oil and gas sector.<\/p>\n
Wright also pointed to physician recruitment efforts, saying Alberta has \u201cmore doctors than ever before in the province\u201d while continuing to expand healthcare services.<\/p>\n
He said the province is reviewing scopes of practice for healthcare professionals and pointed to the Palliser Primary Care Network as a model for the rest of Alberta.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really believe we\u2019re going to have a made-in-Medicine Hat solution that\u2019s going to roll out to all the PCNs,\u201d Wright said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey have one of the most amazing metrics that they\u2019ve been able to achieve, which is 94.5 per cent attachment rate for people in the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
In conclusion, Wright was asked about the \u201cThis is Medicine Hat\u201d showcase held during the Calgary Stampede, saying the event helped promote the city to business leaders and investors.<\/p>\n
He said more than 1,300 people attended during the first hour and described the event as an opportunity to showcase Medicine Hat\u2019s economic strengths.<\/p>\n
Wright said the province will continue promoting the region through international conferences and trade events, particularly by highlighting the city\u2019s aerospace, aviation and defence industries.<\/p>\n
\u2014<\/p>\n