Alberta Premier’s Husband Invited to Rail Meetings Amid Expansion Plans

The Alberta government is moving forward with plans for a passenger rail expansion, but the involvement of Premier Danielle Smith‘s husband, David Moretta, in related meetings has sparked controversy. Documents obtained by CBC News reveal that Moretta attended three meetings in 2023 focused on the province’s passenger rail strategy, raising questions about possible preferential access to government decision-making.

Concerns Over Access to Government Meetings

As Alberta’s Transportation Minister prepares to unveil a comprehensive passenger rail strategy this summer, the discussions have attracted scrutiny. Critics, including academics and a former cabinet minister, question the appropriateness of Moretta’s invitations to meetings that included senior government officials, railway representatives, and lobbyists. Some argue that this may create an appearance of favoritism, even as others note that Alberta’s conflict of interest laws do not explicitly prohibit the spouse of a premier from attending such meetings.

In a statement, Smith’s chief of staff, Sam Blackett, defended Moretta’s participation, citing his knowledge of rail issues as a valid reason for his involvement. Blackett noted, “Premier Danielle Smith and her husband share a long-standing enthusiasm for rail as an efficient form of transportation for goods and people.” He did not confirm whether Moretta attended any specific meetings.

The Alberta government is currently awaiting a consultant’s 15-year master plan to introduce passenger trains across the province, with a focus on high-speed connections between Calgary and Edmonton, as well as Calgary and Banff. These initiatives are projected to cost tens of billions of dollars.

Details of the Meetings Involved

Two of the meetings Moretta was invited to contained information that could pose financial risks to the province or reveal confidential government deliberations. University of Alberta law professor Cameron Hutchison expressed concern, stating, “What’s he doing there? He’s not part of the government.”

On September 26, 2023, Moretta was invited to a meeting with representatives from Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), where discussions were held about potential passenger rail services. CPKC spokesperson Patrick Waldron confirmed that the meeting was initiated by the premier but did not disclose whether Moretta was present. Waldron asserted that no confidential information was discussed.

Additionally, Moretta was invited to an October 11, 2023, meeting concerning a proposal from Liricon Plenary to operate passenger rail service between Calgary and Banff. This project, estimated to cost $2.6 billion, has been under consideration for over a decade, according to Liricon co-owner Adam Waterous.

Former infrastructure minister Pete Guthrie raised ethical concerns regarding Moretta’s involvement, indicating he had declined to attend a meeting with Moretta due to worries about appropriateness. Guthrie emphasized that the situation could suggest preferential access to government information for those connected to the premier.

Despite these concerns, Smith has defended her husband’s participation, stating, “My husband’s an adviser to me, and that’s allowed because he’s married to me.” She highlighted Moretta’s extensive experience in media, particularly in rail issues, as a reason for seeking his advice.

As discussions around Alberta’s passenger rail strategy continue, the implications of Moretta’s involvement remain under scrutiny. Policy experts, such as Lori Williams from Mount Royal University, have pointed out that the presence of a politician’s spouse at government meetings is uncommon and raises important questions about transparency and influence in public decision-making.

The Alberta government faces the challenge of balancing the need for efficient transportation with the ethical considerations surrounding access to information and decision-making processes.