No Violation by Premier Smith: Canada Elections Act Investigation Concludes

Canada's Chief Electoral Officer, Stéphane Perrault, has concluded that comments made by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith during a March 2025 interview with a U.S. media outlet did not violate the Canada Elections Act. This decision follows a detailed review initiated after complaints alleged potential foreign interference.

The Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that Premier Smith's remarks did not trigger any provisions within the Act related to undue influence by foreign entities or third-party spending. A key factor in this determination was the timing of the premier's statements. Specific provisions of the Canada Elections Act concerning undue influence by foreign entities are governed by the federal election period, which ran from March 23 to April 28, 2025. Incidents falling outside this designated timeframe are generally not subject to these particular regulations.

For Calgarians, a community with a strong engagement in federal politics and a history as a Conservative stronghold, discussions around election integrity and foreign influence remain particularly resonant. The federal government itself has previously announced measures to protect elections from foreign interference, including steps taken for the Calgary Heritage by-election in 2023. While the ruling found no violation in this specific instance, it contributes to the broader understanding of how Canada's electoral laws apply to political discourse that crosses international borders, a topic of ongoing public interest in Alberta.

The conclusion affirms that Smith's statements do not warrant further action under the current provisions of the Canada Elections Act.