Despite considerable differences in their respective tenures, both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Danielle Smith have been accused of harbouring “hidden agendas.” Of course, it is difficult to either prove or disprove a secret plan or intent, which can allow such accusations to fester.

In some cases, though, those accusations are fuelled by comments made by the leaders or various government members. In rare instances, those comments are so blatant that it’s hard to come to any conclusion other than the existence of a covert scheme.

For example, six months ago, the federal environment minister blurted out at a conference that Ottawa had “made the decision to stop investing in new road infrastructure.” Unsurprisingly, many — including Alberta’s government — took Steven Guilbeault at his word and were rightly outraged.

Despite furious back-pedalling from the minister and others in Ottawa, suspicion lingers about the feds’ true intent on this issue. Maybe the accidental revelation is what scuttled the secret plan.

© Calgary Herald