Alberta Premier Danielle Smith - who once told former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that she wished to put a federal minister "in the crosshairs" - called on "progressive" politicians to tone down their language on Monday after former U.S. President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt.

Speaking to reporters during a meeting of the premiers in Halifax for the annual federation council, Smith expressed concern over the language sometimes used to describe Canadian Conservatives.

She said, "Haven't you looked at the headlines about how the Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is being described as dangerous? How was I described by the opposition leader in Alberta as dangerous? When you start using that kind of rhetoric, it ultimately leads to creating a state of heightened panic, 'a threat to all of us.'

And I think we need to be very aware that it is possible to have a disagreement in politics, but we must stick to the issues."

Trump was injured on Saturday in the upper part of his right ear when gunfire erupted at the venue where he was speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One of Trump's supporters was killed and two others were injured before Secret Service agents fatally shot a 20-year-old suspected gunman whose motives remain unclear.

Smith said, "It's unacceptable, and I'm glad to see that they are starting to realize that things have gone too far."

She continued, "The way politicians are being described is disgraceful, and I think it has contributed to the culture we have seen in the United States, and I certainly hope some progressive politicians here are cautious with their language because they have been talking about Conservative politicians in the same way and they need to tone it down."

But Smith herself has faced criticism for using aggressive language to discuss political opponents.

Earlier this year, she was heavily condemned for comments she made to Carlson, a controversial conservative commentator, regarding Federal Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault.

Smith and Guilbeault have clashed over the federal government's climate policies, which the Premier has said are overly restrictive and punish Albertans who rely on fossil fuels.

During a conversation about the risks of solar panels, Smith reportedly told Carlson, "I wish you would put Stephen Guilbeault in your crosshairs."

Smith added, "He's an environmental extremist. It just so happens that he is our federal environment minister. He thinks he has the expertise and knowledge to tell us in Alberta how to run our electricity grid."

At the time, Guilbeault stated that he felt "targeted" by the Smith-Carlson conversation by the fireplace.

When asked on Monday if she needed to reflect on her own comments, Smith said she is focused on the issues.

She said, "I think we should be focusing on the issues... and when you start labeling and describing people inappropriately, it creates a dangerous environment, I think people need to think about that."

In a follow-up meeting, Smith was asked if her "crosshairs" comment aligned with her standards of respect in politics.

She responded, "I have been very clear about the need to remove Stephen Guilbeault from his post as Minister of the Environment. 'I support that.'

Speaking on a radio show in Toronto on Monday, Poilievre, accused of contributing to the decline of political civility in Ottawa, said he does not intend to change his tone after the shooting.

Poilievre said during the Alex Pierson show on Toronto AM 640: "Let's be very clear, my criticisms of the Prime Minister were completely reasonable and focused on his political agenda. We will not censor ourselves now. We will not allow this shooter to shut down our discussions."

In April, House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus ejected Poilievre from Question Period after he called Trudeau an "idiot" for supporting British Columbia's former policy of decriminalizing certain hard drugs in an attempt to reduce overdose deaths.

Poilievre said it was a "stupid policy" supported by "this strange Prime Minister." Fergus asked him to withdraw the " unparliamentary language."

Poilievre refused, only saying he would agree to replace the term "idiot" with "extremist" or "radical." Poilievre's refusal prompted Fergus to expel him.

Poilievre said on Monday, "This criticism will continue."

He added, "I will continue to do my job, which is holding the government, including the Prime Minister, accountable for the harm he is causing people's lives, that is my job, and I won't stop."

Trudeau also engaged in name-calling, at one point accusing Poilievre of practicing "shameful and weak leadership." Trudeau also said that the Conservative leader welcomes "support from conspiracy theorists and extremists."

Pierson asked Poilievre about a tweet he sent after the shooting condemning the attack and adding that he was "happy about the death of the suspected shooter" - which sparked some backlash online.

Poilievre said, "I don't know why they are upset."

"He killed another human being. I don't care what you think of President Trump, former President Trump. The fact is that he is a human being, as is the other innocent victim who died here heroically protecting his loved ones. So, I don't know what people expect me to say."

Assassination attempt to be discussed by premiers

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said he expects the shooting incident to be raised during the premiers' meetings in the coming days. Relations between Canada and the United States were already on the agenda, alongside ongoing political issues like housing, healthcare, and affordability.

I think it is important to understand the impact of any presidency going forward."

He added, "What happened is historic and will certainly change the landscape of democracy in the United States and so in Canada... So, this will definitely feed the conversations today and analysis of the world after the assassination attempt."

Furey urged his regional colleagues to keep their disagreements civil.

He said, "Discourse should become less personal, less aggressive, and stick to content."

He added, "Canadians want and deserve a conversation about where the country is heading, not about the personalities trying to express that vision."

Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King said the shooting would be "at the top of everyone's minds."

Addin, "I'm a politician, and this is a concern for me, but I believe it's a public concern."

"I believe that discourse has already changed and indeed deteriorated among people and the people like me who serve them."

The minister is in contact with RCMP and CSIS

In a media statement, the RCMP said it is in touch with its American counterparts regarding the assassination attempt. The national police force is responsible for the protection of the Governor General and the Prime Minister. It also provides protection for ministers and others on a case-by-case basis.

The RCMP statement said, "The RCMP continues to work with local law enforcement agencies across the country as well as our international partners to share as much information as possible, and to adapt its protective measures, as necessary, to ensure adequate protection for all individuals it is dealing with."

"The environment that public figures operate in is constantly evolving, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police takes all threats against public officials seriously."

For his part, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said senior security officials in Canada assured him they have increased their vigilance following the attack on Trump.

Speaking in Grand Dig, LeBlanc expressed, "I am fully confident that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is taking all necessary steps to protect Canadian politicians."

He said, "They have gone through the threat landscape. They spoke to me about the additional vigilance they have taken since the attempted assassination of former President Trump on Saturday evening."

LeBlanc also mentioned that he exchanged texts with Poilievre to keep him informed.

He added, "All appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that people can participate in democracy safely."

"If you want to change the government, you have to participate in elections and go vote. Do not engage in political violence."