Alberta Separatism: Kenney Warns About National Unity, Smith Plans a Vote
Introduction
Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the separatist movement in Alberta will probably not succeed. But he says a vote in the fall could make it a permanent problem if many people vote yes. At the same time, Premier Danielle Smith is planning a province-wide vote in October. The vote will include questions about separation and other policies. A separatist group says it has enough signatures for an independence vote.
Main Body
Kenney spoke at a meeting in Toronto. He said Quebec's debate about leaving Canada was bad for its economy. He said Alberta could have the same problem if a fall vote gets 20 to 35 percent support for independence. Kenney is one of the few elected officials who says no to separation. He will debate a lawyer who wants independence in May. Support for Alberta separation has been between 20 and 30 percent for many years. Recently, it grew because of comments by US President Donald Trump about a '51st state', the federal Liberal government, and Smith's changes to direct-democracy laws. Smith made it easier for citizens to start referendums after Prime Minister Mark Carney won the 2025 election. The separatist group Stay Free Alberta started collecting signatures. The group says it has more than the needed 178,000 signatures. The deadline is early May. Smith says she will put any question on the ballot if the group meets the requirement. Smith became leader of the UCP in 2022. She wants a 'sovereign Alberta within a united Canada'. She is talking with Ottawa about energy and environment policy. She signed an agreement with Carney last November. She says this shows Canada can work. But UCP members were angry at her for the agreement at the party's meeting. About half of UCP members support independence. UCP member Jason Stephan says a referendum is a way to hold Ottawa responsible. Smith says different opinions are welcome in her group. Kenney said using separation to get things from Ottawa is a bad idea. He pointed to Quebec's economic problems after its independence votes. He said Alberta and Quebec both use a 'knife-at-the-throat strategy'. In Quebec, the Parti Québécois is likely to win the next election. Its leader promises an independence vote if elected. Beyond the separatist petition, Smith plans a vote on October 19. There are nine questions. Some ask to limit social services for certain immigrants. Many of these ideas need help from both the province and the federal government. Last summer, Smith said Quebec's special agreements with Ottawa are a model for Alberta. A petition against separation called 'Forever Canadian' was given to the government in December. A committee is now looking at it. Kenney warned that Ottawa faces a serious risk if it gives different deals to Quebec and Alberta. He said without a solution to the agreement, a yes vote over 35 percent in the fall is possible. He said Ottawa may not understand how serious the situation is.
Conclusion
In the coming months, Alberta will have a referendum. The separatist group's deadline is soon. The October vote is coming. The results will affect national unity.