Smith says sovereignty referendum provides ‘outlet’ to avoid creation of new party

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is making waves in Canadian politics with her willingness to risk a separation referendum in order to address the grievances of Albertans. While she does not personally support the idea of separating from Canada, she acknowledges that many Albertans feel dissatisfied with the federal government and are considering this drastic measure.

In a recent interview with CTV News Channel, Smith explained her reasoning behind potentially holding a separation referendum. She believes that if there is no outlet for the frustrations of Albertans, it could lead to the emergence of a new political party, similar to the sovereigntist Parti Québécois in Quebec. Smith is determined to prevent this scenario from unfolding in her province and is committed to addressing the concerns of her constituents.

Smith’s United Conservative Party, formed in 2017 through the amalgamation of two right-wing parties, came into power in 2019 by defeating then-New Democrat premier Rachel Notley. Following Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney’s election win, Smith’s government introduced a bill to lower the threshold for citizens to trigger provincewide referendums. This move reignited grassroots efforts in Alberta to gather support for secession.

Despite criticism from opposition parties like the NDP and First Nations Chiefs, who argue that talk of separatism is harmful to the country and investment, Smith remains steadfast in her goal to push for concessions from the federal government. She is particularly focused on securing guaranteed access to tidewater for Alberta’s oil and gas pipelines, which have been a point of contention for years.

In her efforts to advocate for Alberta’s interests, Smith plans to send a negotiating team to Ottawa and engage with Albertans through town halls to gather feedback on how to secure a better deal. Following meetings with Carney and other provincial leaders, Smith expressed optimism about the potential for meaningful action to remove barriers that have hindered Alberta’s economy.

As the debate over Alberta’s future within Canada continues to unfold, Smith’s bold approach to addressing the concerns of her constituents has sparked both support and opposition. Only time will tell how this political gamble will ultimately play out for the province and its relationship with the federal government.