Alberta Premier Danielle Smith touched down in South Florida on Thursday to participate in a high-stakes fundraising event for a right-leaning U.S. organization. However, the exact location of the event has been kept under wraps, with both Smith's team and the organizers opting for secrecy. As a result, there are growing concerns regarding transparency and accountability.

The event, reportedly not to be live-streamed and closed to journalists, leaves many wondering when Albertans will hear about Smith's remarks made in her role as premier. A spokesperson emphasized the privacy of the gathering, stating, “To ensure the safety and privacy of our participants, we request that this event not be disclosed, and we will only give out the location to invited guests.”

Among the prominent figures sharing the stage with Smith is Ben Shapiro, a well-known right-wing media personality known for his contentious views on Canada, which he has described as a “silly country.” Shapiro has controversially suggested the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state and has been critical of certain U.S. policies, including Trump’s tariffs.

The fundraising event is affiliated with PragerU, an organization that produces educational content with a conservative slant. Critics argue that PragerU has a history of promoting Islamophobic narratives and distorting historical facts, particularly concerning American slavery. Tickets for the fundraising event are priced steeply at $1,500 each, indicating a clear target demographic of wealthy individuals.

Adding to the ongoing controversy surrounding Smith, this trip follows a series of visits to the United States that have drawn criticism from various groups who argue that her engagements with right-wing media and officials raise questions about her priorities as Alberta's leader.

Despite the backlash, Smith maintains that her approach is necessary, claiming she is entering the “lion’s den” to influence key decision-makers in a potentially adversarial environment. Her office indicated that her comments from the event would be disseminated across PragerU's extensive social media channels, reaching over 10 million followers, which includes influential U.S. politicians.

As Danielle Smith continues to navigate these contentious waters, it remains to be seen how her actions will impact her standing with Albertans and the broader political landscape in Canada. Critics, however, are already concerned about the implications of her dealings with U.S. right-wing entities and their potential effects on Alberta's interests.