Speakers
Premier Danielle Smith
Premier of Alberta
Danielle Smith is a proud Albertan. As Leader of the governing United Conservative Party, she was sworn in as the 19th Premier of Alberta on October 11, 2022. She represents the riding of Brooks-Medicine Hat in the Legislative Assembly.
Ms. Smith has had a lifelong interest in Alberta public policy and finding the right balance between free enterprise and individual freedom, and the role of government. She was previously MLA for Highwood and leader of the Official Opposition. Danielle Smith holds degrees in both Economics and English from the University of Calgary.
She is married to David and proud stepmom to his son. They live in High River with their two dogs.
Ms. Smith has had a lifelong interest in Alberta public policy and finding the right balance between free enterprise and individual freedom, and the role of government. She was previously MLA for Highwood and leader of the Official Opposition. Danielle Smith holds degrees in both Economics and English from the University of Calgary.
She is married to David and proud stepmom to his son. They live in High River with their two dogs.
Naheed Nenshi
Leader of the Opposition Party
Naheed Nenshi is leader of Alberta’s New Democratic Party. During his three terms as mayor between 2010-2021, Calgary was named the third-best city to live in globally. His leadership in Calgary saw an unprecedented investment in quality of life, including transit, roads, recreation centers and libraries.
He also guided the City of Calgary through four states of emergency, including the devastating floods in 2013 and the COVID-19 pandemic, and was named the best mayor in the world in 2014. In 2024, Naheed reentered the political life to run for the Alberta NDP leadership.
He was elected with 86% of the vote and is proud to usher the party into its next era. Naheed is a graduate of the University of Calgary, where he served as President of the Students’ Union. He also earned a Master of Public Policy Degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University where he studied as a Kennedy Fellow.
He also guided the City of Calgary through four states of emergency, including the devastating floods in 2013 and the COVID-19 pandemic, and was named the best mayor in the world in 2014. In 2024, Naheed reentered the political life to run for the Alberta NDP leadership.
He was elected with 86% of the vote and is proud to usher the party into its next era. Naheed is a graduate of the University of Calgary, where he served as President of the Students’ Union. He also earned a Master of Public Policy Degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University where he studied as a Kennedy Fellow.
Hon. Jason Kenney
Former Premier
The Honourable Jason Kenney recently completed a distinguished twenty-five year career in public service. In his twenties he built the Canadian Taxpayers Federation into one of Canada's most influential advocacy groups, serving as its President and CEO. He was elected to Parliament in 1997, and was re-elected six times with an average of 76% of the vote.
He served in key opposition roles, including Shadow Finance Minister. As a senior member of the Harper government, he led some of the largest federal departments as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism; Minister of Employment and Social Development; and Minister of National Defence, while chairing the influential Cabinet Operations Committee.
The National Post called him "perhaps Canada's best immigration minister, ever." In 2016 Jason launched a successful campaign to unite Alberta’s free enterprise parties, going on to win a landslide majority to become Alberta’s eighteenth Premier. His government focused on the successful renewal of Alberta’s economy, while working with Indigenous people to create economic opportunity.
Jason holds two honourary doctorates and was voted "best overall parliamentarian" by his colleagues. He now serves as a Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones LLP, and BMO, is a Senior Fellow of the C.D. Howe Institute, and is a member of several corporate boards.
He served in key opposition roles, including Shadow Finance Minister. As a senior member of the Harper government, he led some of the largest federal departments as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism; Minister of Employment and Social Development; and Minister of National Defence, while chairing the influential Cabinet Operations Committee.
The National Post called him "perhaps Canada's best immigration minister, ever." In 2016 Jason launched a successful campaign to unite Alberta’s free enterprise parties, going on to win a landslide majority to become Alberta’s eighteenth Premier. His government focused on the successful renewal of Alberta’s economy, while working with Indigenous people to create economic opportunity.
Jason holds two honourary doctorates and was voted "best overall parliamentarian" by his colleagues. He now serves as a Senior Advisor at Bennett Jones LLP, and BMO, is a Senior Fellow of the C.D. Howe Institute, and is a member of several corporate boards.
Shaun Cathcart
CREA Chief Economist
As Director and Senior Economist, Housing Data and Market Analysis with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Shaun Cathcart provides housing market intelligence to Boards/ Associations, members, and real estate industry stakeholders.He spends much of his time analyzing and writing about Canadian housing trends.
Janet Brown
Political Analyst
Based in Calgary, Janet Brown is one of Alberta's most recognized pollsters and political analysts. With over 30 years of experience in polling and marketing research, Janet has developed a knack for asking the right people the right questions. Janet sees beyond the headlines and talk radio chatter to assess and interpret what's happening beneath the surface in Alberta politics.