Premier Smith says UCP paying for possible defamation lawsuit against CBC

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her United Conservative Party is paying for legal action she is considering against the CBC, but hasn’t said why.

The Opposition NDP says it raises questions over why a political party is paying for a potential defamation suit centred around Smith’s actions as premier.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley says during her time as premier there was insurance to cover legal costs for cabinet ministers in the course of their work.

Notley says it’s possible those tasked with weighing the merits of Smith’s possible lawsuit came out against paying for it, forcing Smith to look elsewhere.