Freedom of information documents reveal that David Moretta, husband of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, was invited to three meetings in 2023 concerning the province's passenger rail expansion plans. This has raised questions from academics and a former cabinet minister about preferential access and influence, especially as the Alberta government prepares to unveil a multi-billion dollar 15-year master plan for passenger rail, prioritizing high-speed connections between Edmonton and Calgary, and Calgary and Banff. Premier Smith defends her husband's presence, citing his media experience and advisory role.
Alberta premier's husband invited to passenger rail meetings as province mulls expansion plan
AlbertaBanffCalgaryDanielle SmithDavid MorettaTransportationCabinetsLegislatureLaws
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Freedom of information documents reveal that David Moretta, husband of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, was invited to three meetings in 2023 concerning the province's passenger rail expansion plans. This has raised questions from academics and a former cabinet minister about preferential access and influence, especially as the Alberta government prepares to unveil a multi-billion dollar 15-year master plan for passenger rail, prioritizing high-speed connections between Edmonton and Calgary, and Calgary and Banff. Premier Smith defends her husband's presence, citing his media experience and advisory role.
- 1 Sept. 26, 2023: David Moretta was invited to a meeting with representatives from Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).
- 2 Oct. 11, 2023: David Moretta was invited to a meeting titled 'Liricon Capital, Calgary-Banff Rail'.
- 3 Nov. 8, 2023: Former Infrastructure Minister Pete Guthrie refused to attend a meeting with David Moretta and Minister Devin Dreeshen.
- 4 February (2025): Pete Guthrie resigned from cabinet.
- 5 May (2025): Premier Smith's chief of staff, Sam Blackett, issued a statement defending Moretta's attendance; Pete Guthrie raised concerns in the legislature.
- 6 June (2025): Premier Smith publicly stated her husband is an adviser; government officials told attendees of telephone town halls that high-speed rail between Edmonton and Calgary, and Calgary and Banff, will be priorities.
- 7 This summer (2025): Alberta's transportation minister prepares to unveil a passenger rail strategy.
- Raised questions about preferential access and influence in government decisions
- Concerns about potential conflict of interest
- Public debate and scrutiny of the Premier's office and government transparency
What: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's husband, David Moretta, was invited to government meetings regarding passenger rail expansion plans, leading to concerns about preferential access and potential conflict of interest.
When: 2023 (meetings occurred); this summer (transportation minister to unveil strategy); May (Smith's chief of staff statement, Guthrie raised concerns); June (Smith's press conference); Sept. 26, 2023 (Moretta invited to CPKC meeting); Oct. 11, 2023 (Moretta invited to Liricon Capital meeting); Nov. 8, 2023 (Guthrie refused meeting with Moretta); February (Guthrie resigned from cabinet).
Where: Alberta, Edmonton, Calgary, Banff, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge.
Why: Premier Smith's interest in rail, Moretta's claimed 'subject matter knowledge' from his media background, and concerns from critics about potential influence peddling and lack of transparency.
How: Invitations to government meetings, development of a 15-year master plan for passenger rail, unsolicited proposals from consortiums (Liricon Plenary), freedom of information requests, and public debate in the legislature and media.