Key Influencer – Danielle Smith – Former Leader of the Wildrose

Prior to entering the world of provincial politics, Danielle Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics from the University of Calgary before interning with the Fraser Institute. She also worked with the Alberta Property Rights Initiative and the Canadian Property Rights Research Institute.

While many Albertans were aware of her post-political career in media, her time in this sector began before her departure from the Legislature. She spent time as a columnist with the Calgary Herald and also hosted a number of television and radio programs largely focused on current events and public policy.

The former leader of the official opposition in the Alberta Legislature is now hoping to make a return to provincial politics. Smith became leader of the Wildrose on October 17th, 2009 as the successor to Paul Hinman (who is now at the helm of the Wildrose Independence Party of Alberta). During the 2012 provincial election, Smith led the party to official opposition status for the first time in its history, overtaking the Alberta Liberals.

Following the mass floor crossing of Wildrose MLAs to the government side of the Assembly, Smith lost her nomination for the riding of Highwood. Residents of the riding would eventually vote in Wildrose MLA Wayne Anderson in the 2015 provincial election.

She is currently seeking the nomination for the United Conservative Party in the riding of Livingstone – Macleod, currently held by MLA Roger Reid.