Notley's premier portrait unveiled in Alberta Legislature; Smith attends meetings instead
Rachel Notley shed a tear, gave a speech and accepted the honour of an official portrait as it was revealed during a customary ceremony Thursday.
She also said, with a big smile, that she hopes to earn another painting by returning to the premier's chair soon.
"I remain very much focused on my future," Notley said.
"So I guess what I'm saying is, with your permission Mr. Speaker, I'd like to begin my 30-minute address laying out my case for a second portrait."
Speaker and UCP MLA Nathan Cooper laughed and said "order! order!" as the crowd cheered.
The NDP leader served as the 17th premier of Alberta from 2015 until 2019, when her party lost an election to Jason Kenney and the United Conservative Party.
The portrait was hung on the wall next to Notley's predecessor, the late Jim Prentice, who she beat in the 2015 election to become premier.
“With a public service career as an elected official spanning nearly 15 years, Rachel Notley embodies the true definition of a statesperson,” Cooper told the crowd before Notley's speech.
“Her service has earned the respect of her constituents and citizens throughout the province.”
Notley joked that she plans to take Cooper's comments and print them on campaign literature, which drew laughter from both the crowd and the speaker.
The NDP leader shed a tear when she spoke about how she chose to be painted on the front steps of the legislature, and asked that the front doors be open.
Former premier and NDP Leader Rachel Notley accepts her official Alberta Legislature portrait on December 8, 2022 (Source: Legislative Assembly of Alberta.)"As with many of the people in this room today, my political career really began as an activist…I walked to this legislature, across the High Level Bridge, to protest for peace alongside my mother," an emotional Notley said.
"Government is at its best when it is open to the people of Alberta. When it is listening to their concerns, when it is acting always with their best interests at heart."
PREMIER SMITH HAD MEETINGS: SPOKESPERSON
Alberta's current premier, Danielle Smith, was not there.
"Premier Smith had hoped to attend Rachel Notley’s portrait unveiling ceremony," a spokesperson said.
"However she attended an important meeting with the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council and a caucus meeting. Deputy Premier Nathan Neudorf joined the unveiling ceremony in her place."
Notley deflected questions about whether or not she felt snubbed by Smith at a press conference later in the day.
"Honestly, I don't know. I'm sure she had her reasons," the NDP leader said.
"I was pleased that Deputy Premier Nathan Neudorf was there. I appreciated his comments."
Notley attended portrait ceremonies for former premier Dave Hancock in 2017 and Prentice in 2019. There was no ceremony for Alison Redford in 2016 because she chose not to attend.
The NDP leader thanked dignitaries who were there and said she's far more concerned now about the state of the economy, the cost of living and the health and education systems.
Speaker Nathan Cooper and NDP Leader Rachel Notley tease each other at the unveiling of her official legislature portrait on December 8, 2022 (Source: Legislative Assembly of Alberta.)"At this point now I'm much more focused, not on historical accolades, but on future efforts with respect to the next election," Notley said of Smith's absence.
She also wasn't sure if she'll actually be entitled a new portrait if she becomes premier again.
"I think that would be a bit unprecedented, so I don't know that I know the answer," she said with a smile.
Notley’s portrait was painted by artist David Goatley.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.