UCP Leader Considers Alberta Separation Referendum
The proposed referendum has sparked a heated debate over Alberta's autonomy and its relationship with the federal government, with many citing the province's oil and gas resources as a reason for separation. The move has also drawn attention from other provinces, with Quebec's Parti Québécois leader expressing support for Premier Smith's stance.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that she would consider holding a referendum on separating from Canada in 2026 if a petition gathers the required number of signatures, amidst growing demands for separation after the Liberal Party's election win.
The proposed legislation would lower the threshold for a referendum from 20% to 10% of eligible voters and give applicants 120 days to collect signatures. This move has sparked a rally at the Alberta Legislature, where hundreds of people gathered to support separation from Canada, waving Alberta flags and displaying the US Stars and Stripes. Many attendees cited the federal Liberal party's policies, including the National Energy Program of the 1980s and recent policies blocking pipelines and stifling the province's energy industry, as reasons for their support of separation.
Premier Smith has stated that she respects treaty rights and that her proposed legislation does not change the province's relationship with First Nations. However, some counter-protesters appeared at the rally, holding signs that stated separation would violate treaties with First Nations. Piikani Nation Chief Troy has stated that Alberta does not have the authority to interfere with or negate treaties. The rally also saw attendees expressing concerns about the federal government's clean energy plan, which they believe would be disastrous for the province.
The move has drawn support from Quebec's sovereigntist Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who sees Premier Smith's stance as a defense of her province's autonomy. However, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed concerns about Canadian unity, stating it's not the time to threaten to quit the country. Premier Smith has responded, saying she has a great friendship with him but doesn't tell him how to run his province.
As the debate over Alberta's separation from Canada continues, Premier Smith's announcement has set the stage for a potential referendum in 2026, which could have significant implications for the country's unity and the province's future.