Climate battle looms as Smith wins Alberta election and targets Trudeau

FILE PHOTO: Danielle Smith of the United Conservative Party (UCP) gestures during her party's provincial election night party after a projected win in Calgary, Alberta, Canada May 29, 2023. REUTERS/Todd Korol/File Photo

(Reuters) -Alberta's election of conservative leader Danielle Smith puts her on a collision course with Canada's Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over climate policies that she claims will undermine the province's massive fossil fuel industry.

Smith, leader of the United Conservative Party (UCP), defeated left-leaning New Democratic Rachel Notley on Monday, and immediately targeted Trudeau, threatening the country's ambitious climate goals.