Danielle Smith is another challenge to Liberal climate policy

As the newly re-elected premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith sits at the nexus of the two most powerful forces shaping contemporary politics: populism and climate change.

As the newly re-elected premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith sits at the nexus of the two most powerful forces shaping contemporary politics: populism and climate change.

Trudeau might take solace from the suggestion that he could be such a unifying force for Albertans — a prime minister has no higher duty, after all, than bringing Canadians together. ButSmith argues Liberal policies would increase household costs, endanger Alberta's electricity supply, eliminate jobs and lead to economic ruin.

"As premier, I cannot under any circumstances allow these contemplated federal policies to be inflicted upon Albertans," Smith said. "I simply can't and I won't."