Alberta premier speaks in French in Quebec, commiserates on Habs' playoff demise

  • Canadian Press

In this composite image made from two file photographs, Quebec Premier Christine Frechette, left, is seen in Montreal on Thursday, April 23, 2026; Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith is seen in Ottawa on Friday, May 8, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov, Sean Kilpatrick

QUEBEC -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, in her first public event in Quebec City, delivered a short speech in French and commiserated over the playoff demise of the Montreal Canadiens.

Smith told business leaders today that she thinks Alberta and Quebec should forge ahead with a stronger economic alliance.

She highlighted the differences between the two provinces, and jokingly pointed to her tenuous grasp of the French language, but concluded they could easily be overcome.

She gave a nod to the Canadiens recent NHL playoff run to hockey's final four, and said she wished she could have seen the Habs go further.

She called on business leaders to deepen their connections with Alberta and said she'd do the same upon returning home.

Smith was set to meet with Quebec Premier Christine Frechette later Wednesday.

This report by was first published June 3, 2026.