Danielle Smith floods the zone to distract from Alberta Health Services scandal

Although the premier has her hands full trying to rein in separatists in her caucus and placate them, one could argue that the facts behind the AHS mess, represent her 'Epstein files.' Her strategy is to misdirect Albertans while she struggles to bury a ticking time bomb.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, centre, speaks during a press conference with Canada’s premiers after the first ministers’ meeting in the West Block on Jan. 29, 2026. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY DOREEN BARRIE

April 23, 2026

CALGARY–When political leaders want to bury a scandal that might rock their government, they “flood the zone." This involves deploying weapons of mass distraction to deflect attention away from the threat. A prime example of this phenomenon is what is happening in the U...

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