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By Jack Farrell and Lisa Johnson

Provincial Politics

Alberta judges urge respect after Smith said she wants to ‘direct’ them

Jan 27, 2026 | 12:12 PM

Alberta’s judges are calling for respect days after Premier Danielle Smith said she wishes she could direct them.

Alberta’s three chief justices say in a rare public statement that democracy only functions when all three branches of government operate independently and respect each other’s role.

A Court of Justice spokesperson says the statement is aimed at addressing public misunderstandings but declined to link it specifically to the premier.

Smith has made a series of statements in recent months criticizing what she calls “activist” and “unelected” judges while expressing concern the courts are undermining the decisions of elected leaders.

On her radio show over the weekend, Smith answered a question about bail laws and told listeners she wishes she could “direct” judges.

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Smith also said she’s trying to work with Ottawa to let her government assist in appointing new Court of King’s Bench justices so they “reflect the values of how we want them to operate here.”

The Canadian Press