Lisa Johnson

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Lisa Johnson.

Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposals will hurt investigative ability

Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposals will hurt investigative ability

EDMONTON -- Alberta's chief electoral officer is warning the government that proposed legislation will impair the election commissioner's power to investigate election rule breaking.

Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposed bill will hurt investigations

Alberta chief electoral officer warns UCP proposed bill will hurt investigations

EDMONTON -- Alberta's chief electoral officer is warning the government that proposed legislation will impair the election commissioner's power to investigate election rule breaking.

Smith says sovereignty referendum provides 'outlet' to avoid creation of new party

Smith says sovereignty referendum provides 'outlet' to avoid creation of new party

Smith cites high popularity of the sovereigntist Parti Québécois in Quebec. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she's willing to risk a separation referendum in part to avert the emergence of a political rival. Smith says she doesn't support separating her province from Canada, but says Albertans have genuine grievances with the federal government, and she wants concessions from Liberal Prime...

Danielle Smith dismisses Doug Ford's warning against separatist threats from Alberta

Danielle Smith dismisses Doug Ford's warning against separatist threats from Alberta

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urging her Ontario counterpart Doug Ford to mind his own business when it comes to talk of separating from Canada.

Alberta premier promises separation referendum in 2026 if petition signatures warrant

Alberta premier promises separation referendum in 2026 if petition signatures warrant

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she would hold a referendum on provincial separation next year if citizens gather the required signatures on a petition.

CP NewsAlert: Alberta premier promises separation referendum if signatures warrant

CP NewsAlert: Alberta premier promises separation referendum if signatures warrant

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she would hold a referendum on provincial separation next year if citizens gather the required signatures on a petition.

Alberta NDP votes to allow opting out of federal party membership

Alberta NDP votes to allow opting out of federal party membership

EDMONTON -- Alberta's New Democratic Party has voted overwhelmingly to cut traditional membership ties with its federal counterpart.

Alberta NDP vote to allow opting out of federal party membership

Alberta NDP vote to allow opting out of federal party membership

EDMONTON -- Alberta's New Democratic Party has voted overwhelmingly to cut traditional membership ties with its federal counterpart.

Alberta NDP vote to allow opting out of federal party membership

Alberta NDP vote to allow opting out of federal party membership

EDMONTON -- Alberta's New Democratic Party has voted overwhelmingly to cut traditional membership ties with its federal counterpart.

Alberta Premier Smith punts suggestions she's stoking separatism talk

Alberta Premier Smith punts suggestions she's stoking separatism talk

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is deflecting accusations that she's stoking the fires of separatism, despite her government moving to lower the bar for holding a referendum.

Nenshi says Alberta premier's efforts backfired on the federal Conservative party

Nenshi says Alberta premier's efforts backfired on the federal Conservative party

EDMONTON -- In the wake of a federal election that saw the Liberals form a minority government, Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says it's clear Premier Danielle Smith's efforts to defuse a cross-border trade war backfired on the federal Conservative party.

Alberta Premier Smith congratulates Carney, warns him against future 'hostile acts'

Alberta Premier Smith congratulates Carney, warns him against future 'hostile acts'

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has delivered a note of congratulations -- along with a sharply worded warning and a blanket condemnation -- to Prime Minister Mark Carney and his new Liberal government.

Former Alberta cabinet minister calls government health contract probe 'whitewashing'

Former Alberta cabinet minister calls government health contract probe 'whitewashing'

EDMONTON -- A former Alberta cabinet minister says an investigation called by Premier Danielle Smith's government into multimillion-dollar health contracts looks like a "whitewashing" exercise.

Former Alberta minister details allegation Premier Smith purposely misled cabinet

Former Alberta minister details allegation Premier Smith purposely misled cabinet

EDMONTON -- An outspoken member of Alberta's legislature, booted from the United Conservative Party caucus, is airing more detailed allegations of what he calls government deception over a health-care contract scandal.

Alberta pauses some of its fight-back plan against the U.S. amid tariff dispute

Alberta pauses some of its fight-back plan against the U.S. amid tariff dispute

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is pausing the procurement policy it announced more than a month ago to fight U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Smith's Alberta government unveils promised mandatory addiction treatment law

Smith's Alberta government unveils promised mandatory addiction treatment law

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government has introduced promised legislation to allow for people to be forced into addiction treatment facilities.

Alberta's Smith resists calls from NDP to pull lawyers from health probe process

Alberta's Smith resists calls from NDP to pull lawyers from health probe process

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says hiring lawyers to funnel requests from the auditor general isn't meant to obstruct an investigation into multimillion-dollar health contracts - it's about helping get to the truth.

Alberta government and auditor at odds over lawyer involvement in health probe

Alberta government and auditor at odds over lawyer involvement in health probe

EDMONTON -- The Alberta government and its auditor general are at odds over the province's decision to bring its lawyers directly into the investigation surrounding multimillion-dollar health contracts.

Nenshi calls proposed Alberta cut of council conduct rules 'an affront' to voters

Nenshi calls proposed Alberta cut of council conduct rules 'an affront' to voters

EDMONTON -- Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says the government's proposal to wipe out municipal councils' codes of conduct could create a free-for-all of delinquency and grift.

Alberta moves to restrict public boards' power to police trustees, councilors

Alberta moves to restrict public boards' power to police trustees, councilors

EDMONTON -- The Alberta United Conservative government introduced two bills Tuesday to reduce the self-policing powers of elected public school boards and municipal councils.

Alberta Health Services halts plan to reduce patient food, drinks after pushback

Alberta Health Services halts plan to reduce patient food, drinks after pushback

EDMONTON -- The head of Alberta Health Services says the agency is halting a proposed food-reduction policy after public outcry over patients potentially being cut off from snacks and drinks.

Smith heads to Florida for controversial U.S. fundraising event at secret location

Smith heads to Florida for controversial U.S. fundraising event at secret location

Premier Danielle Smith arrived somewhere in south Florida on Thursday to represent Alberta in a controversial fundraiser for a right-wing U.S. organization - but neither side would disclose the location. The event wasn't to be livestreamed, and it wasn't clear when Albertans would learn what Smith said on their behalf, as she was attending in her role as premier. Smith's...

Smith heads to Florida for controversial U.S. fundraising event at secret location

Smith heads to Florida for controversial U.S. fundraising event at secret location

EDMONTON -- Premier Danielle Smith arrived somewhere in south Florida on Thursday to represent Alberta in a controversial fundraiser for a right-wing U.S. organization - but neither side would disclose the location.

Moe backs Alberta Premier Smith's controversial U.S. advocacy efforts

Moe backs Alberta Premier Smith's controversial U.S. advocacy efforts

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's efforts to defuse an escalating trade war with the United States should be commended.

Alberta Premier Smith rejects criticism U.S. meetings amount to treason

Alberta Premier Smith rejects criticism U.S. meetings amount to treason

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, dressed in red and white and quoting Winston Churchill, stood in the legislature Wednesday to denounce those who accuse her of "treason" by cosying up to U.S. influencers and officials who wish to do Canada harm.

Alberta premier stands by plan to speak at U.S. fundraiser, despite calls to cancel

Alberta premier stands by plan to speak at U.S. fundraiser, despite calls to cancel

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending her plan to fly to Florida to appear at an event alongside a far-right U.S. influencer who calls Canada "a silly country," saying it is her duty to do everything she can to reach out to Americans to prevent tariffs. Smith is to make a speaking appearance Thursday with conservative media personality Ben Shapiro...

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending her plan to fly to Florida to appear at an event alongside a far-right U.S. influencer who calls Canada "a silly country," saying it is her duty to do everything she can to reach out to Americans to prevent tariffs.

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending her plan to fly to Florida to appear at an event alongside a far-right U.S. influencer who calls Canada "a silly country," saying it is her duty to do everything she can to reach out to Americans to prevent tariffs. Smith is to make a speaking appearance Thursday with conservative media personality Ben Shapiro...

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

Amid calls to cancel, Alberta's Smith stands by plan to go to U.S. fundraiser

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending her plan to fly to Florida to appear at an event alongside a far-right U.S. influencer who calls Canada "a silly country," saying it is her duty to do everything she can to reach out to Americans to prevent tariffs.

Longtime Edmonton Alberta NDP MLA is resigning his provincial seat

Longtime Edmonton Alberta NDP MLA is resigning his provincial seat

EDMONTON -- A longtime Alberta New Democrat member of the legislature is resigning his seat, sparking what will be the third provincial byelection in Alberta since the 2023 provincial vote.

Alberta doctors say province seeks to cut $400M in billing fees

Alberta doctors say province seeks to cut $400M in billing fees

EDMONTON -- The Alberta government wants to cut more than $400 million in the fees it pays to doctors, according to a confidential memo obtained by The Canadian Press.

Alberta doctors say province seeks to cut $400M in cuts to billing fees

Alberta doctors say province seeks to cut $400M in cuts to billing fees

EDMONTON -- The Alberta government wants to cut more than $400 million in the fees it pays to doctors, according to a confidential memo obtained by The Canadian Press.

Alberta government backbencher booted from caucus over threat to vote against budget

Alberta government backbencher booted from caucus over threat to vote against budget

EDMONTON -- Alberta's governing United Conservatives have booted a rural backbencher from caucus following his public opposition to the government's proposed budget.

Alberta premier cuts off future alcohol from U.S. in tariff row, but no change to oil

Alberta premier cuts off future alcohol from U.S. in tariff row, but no change to oil

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her province will no longer buy American alcohol and video lottery terminals to retaliate in the ongoing tariff row with the United States.

'Can't get on board': Proposed change to death reviews worries Alberta child advocate

'Can't get on board': Proposed change to death reviews worries Alberta child advocate

EDMONTON -- Alberta's child and youth advocate is questioning a proposed change from Premier Danielle Smith's government that would limit investigations into deaths of young adults.

Alberta premier slams U.S. tariffs as 'foolish,' but energy retaliation off the table

Alberta premier slams U.S. tariffs as 'foolish,' but energy retaliation off the table

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith lashed out Tuesday as hefty, sweeping U.S. tariffs kicked in on Canadian goods, but she reiterated she won't retaliate by hiking levies on oil and gas heading south of the border. "This (U.S. tariff) policy is both foolish and a failure in every regard," Smith said in a statement. She called the tariffs an "unjustifiable attack"...

Alberta premier slams U.S. tariffs as 'foolish,' but energy retaliation off the table

Alberta premier slams U.S. tariffs as 'foolish,' but energy retaliation off the table

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith lashed out Tuesday as hefty, sweeping U.S. tariffs kicked in on Canadian goods, but she reiterated she won't retaliate by hiking levies on oil and gas heading south of the border.

Alberta to announce third-party reviewer to probe health contracts next week: Smith

Alberta to announce third-party reviewer to probe health contracts next week: Smith

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says an external reviewer is to be announced next week, as her government continues to face questions surrounding allegations of corruption in health-care contracts.

Alberta government appoints Martin Long as new infrastructure minister

EDMONTON -- Alberta has a new minster of infrastructure.

Alberta budget to come Thursday 'challenging' amid uncertainty over tariffs

Alberta budget to come Thursday 'challenging' amid uncertainty over tariffs

EDMONTON -- Alberta is set to introduce its budget Thursday, with rumours swirling that Premier Danielle Smith's government will deliver on her promised personal tax cut amid the looming threat of devastating U.S. tariffs.

Alberta government to focus on legislative agenda, despite allegations of corruption

Alberta government to focus on legislative agenda, despite allegations of corruption

EDMONTON -- Alberta's United Conservative government house leader says lawmakers won't be sidetracked by allegations officials pushed the province's front-line health agency to sign off on overpriced private medical contracts.

Alberta premier shuffles deputy health minister amid allegations of corruption

Alberta premier shuffles deputy health minister amid allegations of corruption

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is removing her government's deputy health minister but bucking calls for a public inquiry into allegations of government interference in lucrative medical contracts. Smith says Andre Tremblay is being replaced in the ministry but will continue as head of Alberta Health Services, the province's front-line health agency.

Alberta premier shuffles deputy health minister amid allegations of corruption

Alberta premier shuffles deputy health minister amid allegations of corruption

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is removing her government's deputy health minister but bucking calls for a public inquiry into allegations of government interference in lucrative medical contracts.

Alberta premier to give update on response to health corruption allegations

Alberta premier to give update on response to health corruption allegations

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to provide an update Wednesday on the government's response to allegations of government interference in lucrative medical contracts.

Alberta NDP Leader Nenshi calls on premier to fire health minister over scandal

Alberta NDP Leader Nenshi calls on premier to fire health minister over scandal

EDMONTON -- The leader of Alberta's Opposition NDP says it's time to fire Health Minister Adriana LaGrange given new allegations surrounding high-level corruption in medical contracts.

Alberta minister says third party to help probe into lucrative health contracts

Alberta minister says third party to help probe into lucrative health contracts

EDMONTON -- Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange says an unnamed third party has been called in for an investigation into reports of high-level government interference and questionable deal-making in medical contracts and product buys.

Alberta private surgical provider denies allegations of sweetheart deals

Alberta private surgical provider denies allegations of sweetheart deals

EDMONTON -- An Alberta surgical company named in allegations that government officials interfered to offer up sweetheart deals for private clinics says the claims are false.

Alberta politician ending coffee with constituents after coal backlash

Alberta politician ending coffee with constituents after coal backlash

EDMONTON -- Chelsae Petrovic is cancelling coffee engagements with her constituents after getting an earful about the province's decision to lift its coal mining moratorium.

Third-party advertiser Take Back Alberta fined more than $100K by Elections Alberta

Third-party advertiser Take Back Alberta fined more than $100K by Elections Alberta

EDMONTON -- Take Back Alberta, the third-party advertiser that made headlines for its role in the high-profile party-vote ouster of former premier Jason Kenney, has been fined more than $100,000 by Elections Alberta.

Alberta announces flat $15-per-day child-care fee to replace subsidy April 1

Alberta announces flat $15-per-day child-care fee to replace subsidy April 1

EDMONTON -- Alberta's government is replacing its child-care subsidy program with a $15-a-day flat rate for children kindergarten age or younger.

Alberta Premier Smith pitching joint Canada-U.S. NORAD military base in Arctic

Alberta Premier Smith pitching joint Canada-U.S. NORAD military base in Arctic

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling for a joint Canada-U.S. NORAD base in northern Canada to bolster Arctic security.

Smith announces new Crown corporation to oversee Alberta's rainy day fund

Smith announces new Crown corporation to oversee Alberta's rainy day fund

CALGARY -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced a new Crown corporation to oversee the province's rainy day fund.

Alberta Premier Smith to announce plan to grow province's nest egg

Alberta Premier Smith to announce plan to grow province's nest egg

CALGARY -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to announce today her government's plan to grow the province's rainy day fund.

Alberta doctors criticize provincial COVID-19 report as harmful 'anti-science'

Alberta doctors criticize provincial COVID-19 report as harmful 'anti-science'

EDMONTON -- The organization representing Alberta physicians is calling out a government panel's COVID-19 report as "anti-science."

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi acclaimed as party's candidate for Edmonton seat

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi acclaimed as party's candidate for Edmonton seat

EDMONTON -- Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has been acclaimed as the party's candidate in Edmonton-Strathcona.

Alberta's Smith doubles down on diplomatic approach as U.S. tariffs expected Feb. 1

Alberta's Smith doubles down on diplomatic approach as U.S. tariffs expected Feb. 1

EDMONTON -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is staying the course on her diplomatic approach to try to avert punishing tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump as a new deadline looms.

Smith opposes blocking energy exports to U.S. but Ford wants to keep option open

Smith opposes blocking energy exports to U.S. but Ford wants to keep option open

Edmonton -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, fresh off a weekend visit with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, cautioned Ottawa against blocking energy exports to the U.S. in response to Trump's tariff threat on Monday — but Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he wants to keep the option open.

Alberta Education Minister rejects teachers' association concern over mandatory tests

Alberta Education Minister rejects teachers' association concern over mandatory tests

EDMONTON -- Alberta's education minister is dismissing concerns from the province's teachers' association that more mandatory testing cuts into classroom learning and can be detrimental to students.

New year brings new Alberta taxes, electricity 'rate of last resort'

New year brings new Alberta taxes, electricity 'rate of last resort'

EDMONTON -- Alberta's electricity "rate of last resort" starts today, replacing the province's previous default rate for consumers who don't have a contract.

Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction

Nenshi finding his feet leading an Alberta NDP still under construction

Naheed Nenshi is still looking to find his feet -- and a seat in the legislature -- after six months on the job as leader of Alberta's NDP. "I really am still getting my skis under me," the former Calgary mayor said of his new gig in a recent year-end interview. Without a seat in the house, he's been watching...