'I make mistakes,' Danielle Smith admits – but what are they?
In her address to Albertans on Tuesday, Premier Danielle Smith admitted she is "far from perfect" and said she can "make mistakes" – though she hasn't yet said which mistakes or positions she was referring to.
"Having spent decades in media and hosting talk shows I discussed hundreds of different topics and sometimes took controversial positions, many of which have evolved or changed as I've grown and learn from listening to you,” Smith said in her address.
"But I know I'm not a talk show host or a media commentator any longer. That's not my job today. My job today is to serve each and every Albertan with everything I have, and to the best of my ability, however imperfect that may be at times."
Smith added that when she is wrong or makes a mistake, she will "look to follow the example of our dear departed friend - Premier Ralph Klein – admit to it, learn from it, and get back to work."
Smith hasn't spoken publicly since her Tuesday address, and hasn't issued further details.
On Thursday, CTV News reached out to the premier for clarification on what mistakes she was refering to, but hasn't heard back.
This article will be updated if and when we hear back.
SAYING SORRY
Smith's first month in office has been a rocky one, not only because of controversial comments she's made since becoming premier – but also because of comments she made in the past.
From saying cancer patients can do more to prevent their disease from progressing to Stage 4, to referring to unvaccinated people as the "most discriminated group" she's witnessed in her lifetime, to seemingly justifying Russia's invasion of Ukraine – Smith has upset many Albertans across the political spectrum with her statements.
She's since walked those back.
"She's not really apologizing for just the last month, she's been called out for things she's said as a journalist, a lobbyist, a political figure.... so she has ten years of some varying positions," said Lars Hallstrom, a political science professor at the University of Lethbridge.
"A lot of her positions don't necessarily resonate with voters."
Hallstrom says Smith needs to expand her support, not only beyond the UCP members that voted for her, but beyond the UCP party in general.
He says the typical Alberta voter used to support conservative parties by default, but Smith needs to recognize that has changed.
"I don't know how much grey area there is," Hallstrom said.
"The reality is, the majority of the population – 60 per cent of the population – is fundamentally opposed to your positions on health measures, budget, post secondary education, charter schools et. cetera."
In her speech Tuesday, Smith pledged $600 for eligible Albertans for inflation relief.
Hallstrom said that 60 per cent of Alberta is "not going to be persuaded by a $600 present."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Security guard shot, critically injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.