Alberta NDP calls for investigation into allegations staff in Premier Smith's office contacted prosecutors over Coutts protests

Despite denials from both the Premier's office and the Alberta Crown prosecutor's office, a CBC Calgary article says a staffer from the premier's office challenged Crown prosecutors via email on cases related to the Coutts border blockade and protests. CTV News received this statement from the premier's office: “Premier Smith has not been in contact with Crown prosecutors and has no knowledge of anyone on her staff having done so. NO KNOWLEDGE OF ACTIONPolitical watchers say there's some doubts about what may have occurred in the premier's office regarding emails to Crown prosecutors. The premier's office statement continued: "The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service operates independently of government and political interests. Crown prosecutors base their decisions on the law and merits of the matter before them.