Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants security clearance to be briefed about foreign interference
CBC
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is seeking security clearance to receive briefings on foreign interference in her province, but the leader of the Opposition says she shouldn't be trusted with it.
The premier told the Legislative Assembly of Alberta this week that she has started the process to get a higher security clearance so she can receive briefings from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
"I would like to know if there is any foreign interference happening in our province," Smith said during question period Wednesday.
The premier's office did not immediately respond to questions Thursday on whether she had specific concerns when it came to potential foreign interference.
Smith's desire for security clearance was revealed Wednesday when Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi asked about the Alberta Sheriffs, which Smith's government is turning into a full-fledged police force capable of taking over local policing duties from the RCMP.
Smith said earlier this week that just like any other police force, the sheriffs will have an intelligence unit and she criticized the RCMP for not being more forthcoming on potential interference or security issues when it comes to Alberta's upcoming referendum in the fall.
The referendum could include a vote on separation, if a petition looking to force it reaches the nearly 178,000 signatures required.
"The RCMP does not brief our government, I made that clear, and no, I'm not happy with that fact, which is why we have to go to alternative sources to be able to get intelligence," Smith said Wednesday.
"We have some deficiencies, and we're going to do everything we can to fill them."
Nenshi said he believes Smith should be disqualified from obtaining the clearance, citing what he called her lack of concern about the ongoing separation campaign in Alberta, and questions he has about the premier's trip to Saudi Arabia last fall to meet with local government officials, which was taken on a private plane.
"I sure as hell wouldn't give her security clearance," Nenshi told reporters Thursday.
"She sees nothing wrong with taking gifts from foreign actors and foreign governments."
Smith confirmed this week that she and members of her staff accepted accommodations and travelled on a private plane provided by the Saudi government during a visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates last fall.
The trip was for Smith to discuss potential collaborations on energy development and artificial intelligence. Smith has said the private plane was needed as the group travelled to a military base, oilfield and refinery, all of which were difficult to access via commercial air traffic.
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