PM says she wants investigation into email allegations

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Danielle Smith says she was called in for a review into allegations that a member of her staff tried to influence Alberta Crown prosecutors.

The Premier announced the review on Saturday on Corus Entertainment’s “Your Province, Your Premier” radio show.

She says the civil service, alongside the government’s IT department, will review emails sent between 400 crown prosecutors and 34 staff in the coming days.

“As soon as we see if the emails exist, we’ll make sure to have a public presentation,” Smith said on the show. “We will find out next week.”

The review stems from a CBC report last week alleging one of the prime minister’s staff wrote emails to prosecutors last fall. The report accuses this staff member of criticizing charges against COVID-19 protesters in the border town of Coutts.

The emails were not shared in the CBC story and CTV News has not verified them.

“WHAT INDEPENDENCE?”

News of the review has not assuaged opposition NDP calls for a full, independent, third-party investigation.

“It is not enough to quell the chaos that the prime minister has fostered and encouraged,” said MP Rakhi Pancholi. “(Albertans) said ‘we don’t trust you to investigate yourself,’ and that’s basically what the Premier said she was going to do.”

Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt also believes more than a review is needed.

He points to a recent back-and-forth with Smith first saying repeatedly that she had personally contacted Crown prosecutors about certain charges, then backtracking to say her communication was only with the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General.

“There’s so much out there that needs to be investigated,” Bratt told CTV News. “Which version of events do you believe from the prime minister? Do you believe the videos you have seen? Do you believe his statements on the radio? Do you believe the statements coming out of his office?

“She faces a significant lack of credibility.”

Bratt — along with many Albertans on social media — also pointed out what could be a major flaw in the review.

“What if emails were deleted, which they’re not supposed to be? What if a member of staff used a personal email instead of a government email, which they’re not not supposed to do either?”

COST FEES

In January and February 2022, a self-styled Freedom Convoy set up a blockade at the US border crossing at Coutts.

Several protesters were arrested.

“These are very serious, weapons-related charges related to a potential conspiracy to commit the murder of police officers,” Pancholi said. “The (justice) system must be able to do its job.”

Alberta’s Crown Prosecution Service denies being contacted by anyone in the Premier’s Office about the cases.

EMERGENCY CAUCUS MEETING

The PCU will hold an emergency caucus meeting on Saturday evening, likely to address the allegations.

“I’m sure there are caucus members — especially those in Calgary in vulnerable seats — who are getting very worried,” Bratt said. “Because these stories keep coming back, week after week.”

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