Federalists Criticize Conservative MPs Ahead of Alberta Sovereignty Referendum

Federalist organizers and former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney are criticizing Conservative members of Parliament for failing to actively oppose a sovereignty referendum scheduled for October 19. The vote asks Albertans if the provincial government should begin the legal process for a binding vote on whether Alberta should separate from Canada.

Danielle Smith, the Premier of Alberta, stated she is campaigning for the province to remain in Canada. She explained that the separation question is framed to avoid detracting from nine other ballot questions regarding immigration and the constitution, for which she seeks a strong mandate. However, separatist advocates like Keith Wilson are urging voters to choose Option 2—which initiates the separation process—to provide Smith with leverage to negotiate constitutional reforms with Prime Minister Carney and the federal government.

While Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has encouraged Albertans to stay part of the Canadian family and appointed MP Dane Lloyd to lead the group Conservatives for Canada, organizers from the group Forever Canadian claim no Conservative MPs have contributed to their movement. Jason Kenney urged these MPs to lead the cause of national unity, warning that appearing soft on separatism risks alienating mainstream Albertans. The debate comes amid a University of Calgary report estimating that separation could cost the province between $50 billion and $170 billion over five years.