Marlaina Danielle Smith, MLA, (born April 1, 1971) is a provincial politician in Alberta, Canada and a former journalist. Smith has served as leader of the Wildrose Party since October, 2009. She is currently the leader of the Official Opposition in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, where she represents the riding of Highwood as an MLA.Prior to being elected leader of the Wildrose Party, Smith was the Director of Provincial Affairs for Alberta with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. She has also worked as a journalist in print, radio and television. Since taking over as leader, Smith has been instrumental in the growth of the Wildrose Party, taking a party that lacked official party status to one that formed the Official Opposition within three years.