Premier says Canadian province might conduct secession referendum
Alberta is set to potentially hold a public referendum on independence from Canada next year if a citizen-led petition receives the necessary support, according to Premier Danielle Smith. The province has frequently been at odds with the federal...
TroibNews 
Alberta is set to potentially hold a public referendum on independence from Canada next year if a citizen-led petition receives the necessary support, according to Premier Danielle Smith.
The province has frequently been at odds with the federal government over policies that restrict fossil fuel development and promote clean energy, with Alberta officials arguing that these measures disproportionately impact their economy. Smith's announcement follows the Liberal Party's recent victory in securing a fourth consecutive term in federal elections, further straining relations between Ottawa and the resource-rich province.
In the wake of the election, the Alberta Prosperity Project initiated a petition advocating for a referendum on the province's independence. This petition amassed over 80,000 signatures within just 36 hours of its launch on May 2 and is still open for additional support.
“Should Ottawa, for whatever reason, continue to attack our province as they have done over the last decade? Ultimately that will be for Albertans to decide,” remarked Smith.
She clarified that while she does not personally back the separation idea, she would honor the voters' decision. “I will accept their judgement,” the premier noted.
Recently, Smith's administration introduced legislation aimed at lowering the signature threshold for citizen-initiated referendums. This new bill reduces the required number of signatures from 20% to 10% of eligible voters from the last provincial election and extends the signature collection period from 90 to 120 days. To meet the new threshold, a petition would need approximately 177,000 signatures.
Smith highlighted that Alberta seeks neither “special treatment or handouts” but rather the freedom to exploit its “incredible wealth of resources” and make its own decisions regarding healthcare and education. She expressed hope that secession would not be necessary and that her government could negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s newly formed government.
In the most recent federal elections, Carney’s Liberal Party maintained its position after a campaign that concentrated heavily on the perceived threats posed by US President Donald Trump. Trump has previously suggested that Canada could become the 51st US state and has implemented significant tariffs on many of Canada's goods.
The election results have exacerbated existing tensions in conservative areas, including Alberta, where the Conservatives claimed 34 out of 37 seats. Many Albertans have voiced their dissatisfaction with their federal leadership. Similar sentiments have been reported in nearby Saskatchewan and, to a lesser extent, British Columbia.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
The province has frequently been at odds with the federal government over policies that restrict fossil fuel development and promote clean energy, with Alberta officials arguing that these measures disproportionately impact their economy. Smith's announcement follows the Liberal Party's recent victory in securing a fourth consecutive term in federal elections, further straining relations between Ottawa and the resource-rich province.
In the wake of the election, the Alberta Prosperity Project initiated a petition advocating for a referendum on the province's independence. This petition amassed over 80,000 signatures within just 36 hours of its launch on May 2 and is still open for additional support.
“Should Ottawa, for whatever reason, continue to attack our province as they have done over the last decade? Ultimately that will be for Albertans to decide,” remarked Smith.
She clarified that while she does not personally back the separation idea, she would honor the voters' decision. “I will accept their judgement,” the premier noted.
Recently, Smith's administration introduced legislation aimed at lowering the signature threshold for citizen-initiated referendums. This new bill reduces the required number of signatures from 20% to 10% of eligible voters from the last provincial election and extends the signature collection period from 90 to 120 days. To meet the new threshold, a petition would need approximately 177,000 signatures.
Smith highlighted that Alberta seeks neither “special treatment or handouts” but rather the freedom to exploit its “incredible wealth of resources” and make its own decisions regarding healthcare and education. She expressed hope that secession would not be necessary and that her government could negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s newly formed government.
In the most recent federal elections, Carney’s Liberal Party maintained its position after a campaign that concentrated heavily on the perceived threats posed by US President Donald Trump. Trump has previously suggested that Canada could become the 51st US state and has implemented significant tariffs on many of Canada's goods.
The election results have exacerbated existing tensions in conservative areas, including Alberta, where the Conservatives claimed 34 out of 37 seats. Many Albertans have voiced their dissatisfaction with their federal leadership. Similar sentiments have been reported in nearby Saskatchewan and, to a lesser extent, British Columbia.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
Find more stories on Business, Economy and Finance in TROIB business
