On Friday, Wynne was in Calgary meeting with Mayor Naheed Nenshi and local business leaders.
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“I don’t believe in political rhetoric and talk that puts region against region”, she joked.
Wildrose Finance critic Derek Fildebrandt characterized Ontario as a failed, debt-ridden enterprise that Alberta dare not emulate, which Wynne was sitting in the gallery.
Fildebrandt held up Ontario as an example of what not to do in government given that Alberta is now moving to rack up high debt loads to pay for capital and operating spending.
“In the past when Alberta has been able to play a leadership role in the country, they have done so by being grown-ups, by having conversations with their colleagues across the country, by being respectful, and by finding the kinds of things in common that they can work together on”, Notley said.
Notley at the time responded by saying the actions demonstrated why the Wildrose “are simply not ready” to govern.
As Wynne looked on from the Speaker’s gallery during question period Thursday, the opposition Wildrose party demanded to know why Wynne, a Liberal, was invited while right-centrist and next-door-neighbour Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall was not.
Wynne will then deliver a keynote address to members of the chamber during a luncheon.
The Ontario Premier didn’t appear to take it personally while speaking with media afterwards.
She said that her thoughts are still with the victims of the Fort McMurray wildfire.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley at the Alberta Legislature, May 26, 2016.
“Visiting dignitaries from anywhere across the country or otherwise, when they come to Ontario, they are received by all parties with grace”, Wynne told reporters.
“I can only imagine the response of the Wildrose should any Albertan premier receive similar treatment in any of Canada’s legislative assemblies”, he said.
Progressive Conservative Leader Ric McIver was not in the house.
“We could have asked those questions later, not when she was in the House”. Albertans are more polite than that, we treat guests with courtesy.
Nenshi says he didn’t agree with the sentiment expressed by the Wildrose.
“I made it clear natural gas is part of our long-term plan”, said Wynne, who provided few other details. “I didn’t apologize and said you’re welcome here”.
“Today, we welcomed Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to the Legislative Assembly. They should have informed us”.
The NDP fired back at the Wildrose in the legislature Thursday.
“It’s certainly a challenge to make those changes on the fly”, said Cooper.
He also added that Wynne brought up a topic that he has been very enthusiastic about.
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“I’m thrilled to see the relationship continue to be strong between Alberta and Ontario”, he said.
