Rebel News Podcast: Feature Interview with Danielle Smith & Scott Moe

Date: December 18, 2025
Host: Ezra Levant (with contributions from Sheila Gunn Reid)
Guests: Danielle Smith (Premier of Alberta), Scott Moe (Premier of Saskatchewan)

Overview

This episode of the Rebel News Podcast is headlined by in-depth one-on-one interviews with two of Western Canada's most prominent political leaders: Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan’s Premier Scott Moe. The focus is a candid discussion on how provincial leaders are resisting federal government overreach, especially on issues such as sports policy, immigration, pipeline development, firearms law, and the role of Ottawa in provincial affairs. The hosts, Ezra Levant and Sheila Gunn Reid, emphasize the growing assertiveness of Alberta and Saskatchewan in defending their constitutional rights, setting up potential referenda, and charting new policy paths independent of federal influence.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Skate Canada’s Alberta Boycott and Women’s Sports

(02:50–05:14)

• Context: Skate Canada, in response to Alberta’s policy allowing only biological females in girls' sports, has announced a boycott of events in Alberta.
• Danielle Smith's Position:
  • Skate Canada is out of step; other organizations (Boxing Canada, Curling Canada) have not followed suit.
  • Smith asserts:

    “The reason we have girls and women’s divisions is because we recognize there are actual differences... If there were no biological difference between men and women, we wouldn’t have created the category in the first place.” [04:03]

  • Suggests Skate Canada is risking irrelevance and possible competition from a new, sex-segregated federation if they continue.
  • Believes this policy is federal-government-driven, not member-driven.

2. Immigration Policy, Social Services, and a Proposed Referendum

(05:14–10:43)

• Smith’s Critique:
  • The federal government “destroyed the historic consensus” on immigration, moving away from points-based, economic-migrant-focused policies to accepting large numbers of temporary and non-economic immigrants.
  • Over-enrollment in schools and strain on public services is blamed on federal immigration policy.
  • Alberta is advocating for:
    • Waiting periods (potentially 5–10 years) for newcomers before accessing social services (“you should be a taxpayer first”).
    • Reserves social benefits for permanent residents, likening non-permanent residents to tourists:

      “As a tourist, you don’t go to someone else’s country and say, pay for my child care, pay for my education, pay for my health care…” [06:42]

• Public Sentiment and Political Strategy:
  • Smith notes strong grassroots support, referencing town-hall straw polls (e.g., “Some of the rooms were unanimous” in supporting more provincial control over immigration [10:30]).
  • Announces intention for a provincial referendum on asserting Alberta’s constitutional rights over immigration and social policy (possibly invoking Section 95).
• Discussion on Deportations:
  • Levant asks about “remigration” and mass deportations for overstayed visas; Smith suggests removing those without jobs or permanent status.

3. Pipeline Politics and Federal-Provincial Energy Relations

(10:43–13:56)

• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):
  • Focus on the MOU for oil and gas, which is “not a contract... not an agreement, it’s a plan to talk further.”
  • Investor Interest: Some positive signs (Enbridge, Trans Mountain, SouthBow, Keystone assets).
  • Major obstacles remain: emissions caps, carbon tax, clean electricity regs.
• Smith’s Perspective:
  • The U.S. is eager for increased Canadian oil, especially in light of shifting geopolitics (e.g., Venezuela).
  • On pipeline diversification: regret over Northern Gateway’s cancellation; new approaches focus on direct routes to the BC coast and expanded U.S. routes via Keystone.
  • Alberta Petroleum Marketing Agency may help sell directly in international markets.

4. Federal Infrastructure Spending and Western Frustrations

(15:42–17:43)

• Smith critiques the contrast between Ottawa’s speedy commitment to a costly Montreal–Ottawa high-speed train and the uncertain, politically fraught process for resource development in the West.
• Memorable Quote:

  “We still send $26 billion more in tax revenue to Ottawa... And meanwhile, you see not only equalization transfers to Quebec go up but also these kinds of major projects. It’s very frustrating for western Canada.” [16:43]

• Announced Alberta's separate passenger rail plan, hoping for private investment.

5. Sheila Gunn Reid Interviews Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan

(19:34–49:22)

a. Urban Political Challenges

(20:05–22:54)

• Losses in urban ridings prompt Sask Party to reexamine messaging, party engagement, and policy consultation.

b. Women’s Spaces and Parental Rights

(22:54–27:04)

• Local controversy on gender-inclusive washrooms and protection of single-sex spaces.
• Moe affirms support for parental rights and the utility of the “notwithstanding clause,” but acknowledges continued sensitivity and public debate.

c. Immigration and Provincial Autonomy

(27:04–30:36)

• Echoes Alberta’s concerns: rising costs in health, education, housing due to federal immigration mismanagement.
• Saskatchewan pushing for at least the same autonomy as Quebec in immigration; ultimate aim for “economic immigration almost exclusively.”
• Quote:

  “Any immigration policy needs to be based on economic immigration almost exclusively... it’s going to be good for the community, for that immigrant, and ultimately for the province and the nation of Canada.” [28:53]

d. Firearms Policy in Response to Federal Laws

(30:36–34:35)

• Saskatchewan’s policies are designed to resist federal gun grabs (e.g., unfunded collection agencies, striving for fair compensation, and storage options for heirloom firearms).

e. Trade Barriers and Resource Exports

(34:35–38:02)

• Discusses EV tariffs, canola, and the broader challenge of having market access issues with the U.S., China, and India.
• Advocates for government support based on industry intrinsic value, not political calculation.

f. Western Separatism and Economic Independence

(38:11–44:13)

• Moe discusses separatist sentiment, preferring to focus on economic independence rather than political separation.
• Stresses the need for “port to port” corridors and direct egress for Western Canadian products.

g. The Value and Limits of the MOU with Ottawa

(44:13–47:08)

• Some optimism for the MOU with Ottawa on pipeline expansions, but skeptical about Liberal sincerity, viewing it as a possible political ploy.
• Emphasizes that, without progress, Western economic independence will become a bigger issue.

h. Healthcare as the Foremost Issue for 2026

(47:08–49:18)

• The number one issue: timely access to primary care and surgery.
• Other top priorities: affordability, education outcomes, community safety, drug crisis.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Danielle Smith on sports policy:

  “What it really should be about is creating an environment for girls and women to participate in sports safely and fairly.” [03:22]

• Danielle Smith on immigration and social services:

  "We believe that those who are not here in a permanent status should be treated like tourists. And as a tourist, you don’t go to somebody else’s country and say, 'pay for my childcare, pay for my education, pay for my health care, pay for my long term care, give me a pension.'" [06:42]

• Ezra Levant on public opinion:

  “I'm going to make a prediction right now that that gets at least 80% support.” [10:27] (On Alberta taking more control over immigration)

• Scott Moe on the notwithstanding clause:

  “It’s a necessary tool. It’s part of the constitution to ensure that when there is a collision of rights... duly elected governments... have the ability to represent their citizens.” [25:20]

• Scott Moe on economic immigration:

  “If that immigrant has a family and they have a job, they’re going to be able to provide for that family... It’s going to be good for the community... That’s a positive for everyone involved.” [28:44]

• Scott Moe on separatism:

  “I’m not sure exactly what we gain in that [separation]... If we are going to be stymied and not have access to Canadian ports, we have a much larger challenge to talk about..." [41:22]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:50] Start of Danielle Smith interview, Skate Canada controversy
• [05:14] Smith on immigration and social services policy
• [10:05] Smith proposing referendum on immigration
• [11:25] Smith on oil and gas memoranda, pipeline politics
• [16:07] Liberal high speed train, Western alienation
• [19:34] Start of Sheila Gunn Reid's interview with Scott Moe
• [22:54] Parental rights and women's spaces in schools
• [27:04] Saskatchewan's position on immigration
• [30:36] Firearms policy responses
• [34:35] Tariffs, trade, and ag industry
• [38:11] Separatism in Saskatchewan
• [44:13] Value of federal MOU, skepticism regarding Ottawa
• [47:08] Number one issue for Saskatchewan: healthcare

Tone & Style

The tone throughout is assertive and direct, with both premiers presenting unapologetically conservative, regionally-focused viewpoints. There is a sense of solidarity and camaraderie among Western Canadian leaders and the Rebel News hosts, marked by frustration towards the federal government and a drive for greater provincial autonomy.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a snapshot of growing Western assertiveness in Canadian federal politics, especially in the face of what Alberta and Saskatchewan leaders perceive as intrusive or careless federal policies. Both Danielle Smith and Scott Moe champion policies designed to reinforce provincial jurisdiction—in sports, immigration, energy, and public safety—and signal a willingness to go directly to their populations via referenda when necessary. While separatist sentiment exists, these premiers focus mainly on practical economic independence as a lever for greater provincial power.

For listeners seeking insight into Western Canadian conservative politics and the next big policy battles between Ottawa and the Prairies, this is a must-hear episode.