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Alberta NDP urges Smith to cancel separation vote amid Canada-U.S. trade war
Naheed Nenshi says the vote should be canceled or delayed as Canada faces $28 billion in U.S. import fees and counter-tariffs.
On Tuesday in Calgary, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi urged Premier Danielle Smith to postpone the October 19 provincial referendum, arguing Canada must project unity during its escalating trade war with the United States.
The United States has levied import fees on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, with Canada announcing counter-tariffs beginning September 8, prompting Nenshi to emphasize national cohesion during the economic crisis.
Smith insists the referendum will proceed, citing petitions from hundreds of thousands of citizens, while Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon recently suggested delaying Quebec's secession plans due to President Donald Trump's unpredictable administration.
Former NDP premier Rachel Notley and ex-UCP premier Jason Kenney are co-chairing a Canadian Chamber of Commerce campaign opposing the referendum, agreeing on Alberta's value within Confederation despite past political differences.
Nenshi criticized Smith as a "separatist of convenience," questioning her commitment compared to Quebec's movement, as voters prepare to decide October 19 whether the government should initiate legal separation proceedings from Canada.