In the heated political landscape of Canada, the emerging rivalry between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Liberal Leader Mark Carney is simmering, but not boiling over—yet.

As the federal election approaches, Smith is taking a calculated approach, holding her fire against Carney. Despite their uneasy relationship, don’t be fooled into thinking she’s letting him off the hook.

In the backdrop, the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is still vying for victory. Smith’s silence is strategic; she’s focusing her energies on the battle ahead rather than igniting a war of words over national unity.

However, once the election dust settles, a showdown could be imminent. If Carney and the Liberals win without reversing the policies that have harmed Alberta, tensions are bound to flare.

Let’s not forget, Smith previously laid out nine demands to Carney, urging him to address harmful Liberal policies. So far, her efforts have gone unacknowledged, with Carney dismissing them almost casually during a recent appearance in Calgary.

Even more concerning for Alberta’s interests, Carney has been vague about including vital energy projects—like oil and gas pipelines—in his plans. This week, while speaking in Quebec, he mentioned new initiatives but left the future of pipelines hanging in uncertainty.

Smith has responded sharply on social media, labeling Carney’s lack of commitment to new pipelines as 'absurd and anti-Canadian.' Her frustration encapsulates the high stakes—Alberta's economic future hangs in the balance.

In stark contrast, Poilievre is staunchly pro-pipeline, advocating for a robust Canadian energy sector that can stand on its own without reliance on imports from the United States.

While polls suggest many Canadians support pipeline development, the irony is that several of these supporters might still lean toward voting for Carney—a party renowned for its resistance to such projects.

Additionally, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been vocal about supporting pipeline connectivity, yet he has publicly favored Carney over Poilievre, complicating the narrative even further.

As the election draws near, one thing is clear: the Alberta-Liberal divide is far from settled, and the post-election world promises to unveil a fierce political battleground.