Alberta’s premier proposes referendum on separation from Canada
Associated Press3 days
Alberta May Vote on Separation as Smith Sets Referendum Path
Above: A screenshot of Premier Danielle Smith during her address to Albertans, May 5, 2025. Image copyright: Government of Alberta/YouTube
The Spin
Conservative narrative
It is crucial that Albertans have the choice to choose their own destiny. For a decade, the province has endured one hostile Liberal policy after another, targeting Alberta's economy, prosperity, and way of life with no end in sight, given the Liberals’ election victory. Under such circumstances, and with support for separation growing, it is only sensible to explore this as an option.
Liberal narrative
Danielle Smith is playing a dangerous game. To win concessions from the federal government, the Alberta premier is actively fueling separatist sentiment when Canada needs national unity more than ever in the face of Trump’s threats to Canadian sovereignty and prosperity. Smith, however, is seemingly more concerned with coddling fringe extremists than putting her country’s interests first.