Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks at a closed press conference about the Back to School Act held on October 27, 2025. CTV
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is facing backlash for leaving the province for a work trip to the Middle East on the same day her government passed emergency legislation forcing teachers back to classrooms.
Smith boarded a plane Monday afternoon as her government introduced Bill 2, the Back to School Act, at the Alberta legislature. The bill used the notwithstanding clause for the first time in Alberta’s history to override charter rights and end the ongoing teachers’ strike.
According to an official statement, Smith’s trip will take her to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until November 5. She plans to discuss energy partnerships and technology investments and later attend the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference. There, she is expected to announce a new Alberta trade office in Abu Dhabi alongside Jobs Minister Joseph Schow and several Alberta business leaders.
Opposition criticizes timing of trip
The timing of Smith’s departure has drawn strong criticism from the opposition and political commentators.
NDP leader Naheed Nenshi said the premier’s trip shows a lack of leadership during a crucial moment for Alberta families.
“The premier’s sense of entitlement is extraordinary,” Nenshi told reporters Tuesday. “She’s been to the Middle East so many times, second only to her trips to Mar-a-Lago. What has she actually achieved?”
Nenshi questioned Smith’s decision to visit countries that compete directly with Alberta in global energy markets. “Does she understand that they set the prices that hurt her own budget?” he asked.
Experts call trip “poorly timed”
Duane Bratt, a political science professor at Mount Royal University, agreed that while the trip may be justified, the timing couldn’t be worse.
“She should be going to Saudi Arabia and the UAE — those are important partners for Alberta’s energy sector,” Bratt said. “But this is really bad timing.”
He said learning about Smith’s departure through a photo of her at the airport sent the wrong message to Albertans. “If this is such a big emergency that they had to use the notwithstanding clause, maybe it’s not the best time for an international trip.”
Bratt compared the optics to past political blunders, including former premier Jason Kenney’s Sky Palace dinner during COVID-19 and Don Getty golfing during a major financial crisis.
Premier’s office defends trip
Smith’s press secretary, Sam Blackett, said the trip had been planned for over a year and that its dates were confirmed long before the teachers’ strike began.
“The purpose of the premier’s mission is to diversify Alberta’s trade relationships and attract billions in investment,” Blackett said in a statement. “The NDP is more interested in political attacks than supporting Alberta’s economy.”
Smith also addressed the situation on social media, saying she had a duty to act to protect Alberta’s children. “Thank you parents for your patience, your strength, and your unwavering support for your children during this difficult time,” she wrote.
By Wednesday, Smith is scheduled to meet with executives from Saudi Aramco, tour the Shaybah oil facility, and travel to Abu Dhabi — the same day teachers and students are expected to return to class.
