Article content continued

Critics have argued that Alberta’s energy industry will now lose its competitiveness when the carbon tax kicks in, but Notley said the program here was developed knowing there was no movement on a similar plan in the U.S.

“In Canada, our governments — my government, the national government — are accountable to the citizens of the jurisdictions which elected them … not the one down south,” she said.

The premier wouldn’t give her personal opinion on Trump’s win.

Laws and democracy are founded on elections, she said, and “now that Americans have elected a new president, we need to respect that.”

She emphasized the Alberta government will make it a priority to protect the rights of minorities and women.

“I think the vast majority of Canadians and the vast majority of Albertans reject the politics of division, and want to see us continue on the path we’re on to improve and celebrate inclusivity and the rights of all minorities,” she said.

Notley also voiced disappointment at Hillary Clinton’s loss, calling it a “step back” for women in politics.

“Old barriers are coming down, but much still remains to be done to … improve the roles, rights and opportunities for women and minorities in our equal and inclusive society.”

The fact that the only two women in Alberta’s Progressive Conservative leadership race both dropped out Tuesday was a step back, Notley said.

In particular, she said, Sandra Jansen, who cited harassment as the reason for her departure, was “troubling,” and she hopes the party investigates the allegations.

“If a party or a campaign cannot conduct itself in a way to ensure the most basic of rules around inclusivity — for instance, anti-harassment — then quite frankly that party or that campaign is not equipped to govern the province,” Notley said.

egraney@postmedia.com

twitter.com/EmmaLGraney