Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Plans 2026 Separation Referendum Amid National Criticism and Majority Support

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Updated May 9, 2025, 12:43 AM

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced plans to hold a referendum on Alberta's potential separation from Canada in 2026, contingent on sufficient public support through a breakup petition. Smith stated she would respect the outcome of the referendum but does not personally support the initiative. The move has intensified national political debate, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticizing the separatist sentiment and urging unity. British Columbia Premier David Eby and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have also called on Smith to oppose separatist movements.

Alberta's separatist push has drawn mixed reactions, including opposition from Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi and First Nations leaders, though legal experts note Indigenous communities would not have veto power over such a referendum. The Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon applauded Smith's assertive stance on provincial autonomy, while Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet criticized the separatists for lacking a distinct culture beyond oil and gas. Public opinion surveys indicate a majority of Canadians, particularly in Alberta, take the prospect of separation seriously. The debate has sparked discussions on Alberta's identity, autonomy, and the future of its relationship with the Canadian Confederation.

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#Alberta #Danielle Smith #Canada #Smith #Ontario #Doug Ford #British Columbia #David Eby #Saskatchewan #Scott Moe #Naheed Nenshi #First Nations #Indigenous #Parti Québécois #Bloc Québécois #Canadians #Canadian Confederation

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Sources

junonews.com(7)rebelnews.com(5)thestar.com(4)westernstandard.news(3)

Mark Mitchell, Rasmussen Reports

@honestpollster

Saskatchewan is so scared of our guest today, @NadineGNess, that their politicians are verbally attacking and trying to change the laws for referendum votes. The establishment is in a flop sweat about secession.

Rebel News

@RebelNewsOnline

Bloc leader throws jab at Alberta separatists, says 'oil and gas' aren't a culture Blanchet's comments sparked fierce backlash from Albertans who see themselves as having a distinct culture revolving around freedom and liberty. https://t.co/bpAgqvyLho

Toronto Star

@TorontoStar

#Opinion Doug Ford wants us all to show some love to Danielle Smith. What is he thinking? https://t.co/qxay1wxjrJ #onpoli