The Alberta NDP is calling for Premier Danielle Smith to apologize for comments she made about the Russia-Ukraine war. (Image: Canadian Press)

By Canadian Press

NDP calling on Smith to apologize for ‘tone deaf’ and ‘cruel’ comments on Ukraine war

Oct 17, 2022 | 2:25 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Alberta’s Opposition NDP says Premier Danielle Smith needs to apologize for her remarks on the Russia-Ukraine war.

Opposition critic Sarah Hoffman was referring to comments made by Smith earlier this year in which Smith urges Ukraine to accept neutrality, even as its people were fighting and dying in the Russian invasion.

Smith also opined on social media earlier this year that there may be parts of Ukraine that would be happier breaking away from the mother country.

Hoffman says such comments are tone-deaf and cruel for a country at war and strike a particularly sore point in Alberta, which is home to about a quarter of all Canadians of Ukrainian heritage.

The quotes surfaced over the weekend, and Smith responded in a statement saying she supports Ukraine while not addressing her prior comments.

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In a statement, the premier recounted her own Ukrainian heritage and how her great-grandfather fled from Soviet communism and came to Canada.

“My political beliefs are largely born out of a complete distrust of the socialism from which my great-grandfather fled,” says Smith.

Smith continues to say she hopes and prays that all world leaders, including those involved directly in the conflict, will do everything possible to de-escalate the situation.

Smith says she will focus on efforts to fast-track and financially support the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees.

(The Canadian Press)