Premier Smith vows to 'vigorously' defend Alberta's jurisdiction

Danielle Smith's first press conference as Alberta premier was dominated by questions probing her vision of what the province's relationship with Ottawa should look like.

Danielle Smith's first press conference as Alberta premier was dominated by questions probing her vision of what the province's relationship with Ottawa should look like.

Following her swearing-in ceremony and first cabinet meeting, Smith held her first media availability since becoming premier Tuesday afternoon.

Smith says Canada represents a "unique constitutional situation," a blend of the American and U.K. systems. She explained how the U.S. top court has final say on a matter, whereas the parliamentary system recognizes parliamentary supremacy in lawmaking.

That represents the opportunity to exercise more autonomy in matters of provincial jurisdiction, Smith said.

"We have a system where it's a conversation between the legislatures and the courts," she said, adding that there are times where Ottawa, provinces, or the courts "don't always get it right."

"I know it's a little bit alarming for Alberta to finally say we've had enough of how the country is run, we've had enough of how Justin Trudeau is treating us, but we have had enough," Smith added.

"We are now going to take the lead on making sure we are getting our own resources to market, and we protect our citizens here and that we defend all areas of our jurisdiction."