'I think people are forgiving,' Smith says of UCP 'missteps' ahead of provincial vote

A campaign-style announcement featuring UCP Leader Danielle Smith ended with her getting grilled on a number of controversies Tuesday while a health-care worker appeared to give the premier a sly middle finger.

A campaign-style announcement featuring UCP Leader Danielle Smith ended with her getting grilled on a number of controversies Tuesday while a health-care worker appeared to give the premier a sly middle finger.

The photo of the woman in a lab coat and a medical mask with her arms crossed and finger up in the direction of Smith blew up on social media following the Tuesday gathering in Sherwood Park.

Smith and local candidates were at the Synergy Wellness Centre "because the NDP keep lying" about the party's plans for health care.

She insisted Albertans will not have to pay out-of-pocket for medical care or prescriptions, despite statements she made suggesting more user-pay policies before becoming premier.

Smith also received several questions about her call with Artur Pawlowski, which she again refused to answer citing legal advice.

"We've got to let the ethics commissioner process play out. I respect the role that she has and I'm fully cooperating with her," Smith told reporters.

Smith was then asked about a UCP candidate who recently said people who have heart attacks should be held accountable because some are "extremely overweight."