By Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

Husband of ex-premier questions why Smith’s spouse sitting in on government meetings

Jul 15, 2025 | 12:22 PM

The husband of a former Alberta premier is questioning why Premier Danielle Smith is inviting her husband to sit in on government meetings.

Lou Arab is married to former premier Rachel Notley and has long been a senior leader with the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

In a social media post, Arab takes issue with Smith’s recent comments saying there is nothing wrong with her husband David Moretta sitting in on meetings discussing government rail projects.

Smith says Moretta covered rail issues as a former journalist and as her husband can advise her on anything she sees fit.

But Arab says when Notley was premier he was not allowed anywhere near labour policy, was not free to lobby any cabinet minister, and says Smith is, in his words, “full of it” when she claims having Moretta in such meetings is acceptable conduct.

Dec. 10

RDP holds pinning ceremony for graduating nursing students

8h ago

get in the car!

Maps for 2025 Red Deer Christmas Lights tour

10h ago

predictable taxation

Chamber calls Red Deer County's draft budget 'disciplined'

10h ago

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2025.