Reaction to Alberta’s referendum on a separation referendum
Smith says 301,620 petition signatures and a court fight prompted the vote, which would only start a legal separation process.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced Thursday that an October 19 ballot will ask residents if they want a future binding referendum on quitting Canada, framing it as necessary to understand the will of Albertans.
- Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the 'referendum-on-a-referendum' baffling, arguing it adds confusion rather than settling the debate, while federal and provincial politicians criticized the plan as a divisive waste of resources.
- Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack argued the process prolongs a divisive campaign for six months, while lawyer Jeff Rath described the proposal as 'kicking the can down the road' regarding the emotional debate.
- Thomas Lukaszuk, organizer of the Forever Canadian petition, warned Smith has created an unstoppable political force against her, citing the 301,620 people who signed the pro-Canada petition.
- Cam Davies, leader of the pro-independence Republican Party of Alberta, announced plans to mobilize voters this spring and summer, as separatist and anti-separatist groups pledged vigorous campaigning ahead of the October ballot.
80 Articles
80 Articles
Nico Johnson: Danielle Smith's regrettable referendum
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith would’ve done well to have spoken to David Cameron before she committed to plunging Alberta — and by default, the country — into what may become a distressing seccessionist battle. “You could unleash demons of which ye know not,” he said portentously, before calling the vote on Britain’s EU membership. He, too, thought the referendum was necessary; that the threat of separation would strengthen his hand against Bru…
Algemeen Dagblad
In the Canadian province of Alberta, residents can decide in October whether or not there should be a binding referendum on secession. This was announced by the premier of the oil-rich province, Danielle Smith.
Cory Morgan: Premier Smith’s Bourassa Moment
Commentary After announcing that a question regarding provincial independence would appear on a referendum ballot in Alberta on Oct. 19, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized that she is “fiercely” local to Canada, as well as Alberta. So why would a person dedicated to maintaining national unity put a question on a referendum ballot that could lead to the separation of a province? Premier Smith is painted into a political corner, and her pos…
Calgary will be hit first and hardest by separatist debate, mayor says
After Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced her government will add a question about whether to pursue separating from Canada to this fall's referendum ballot, CBC News heard from people around Calgary about how they think the vote will affect the city's future.
Alberta To Hold Referendum On Secession On Oct 19
Politico reports: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her United Conservative Party government will hold a referendum in October to ask Albertans if they want to remain in Canada, or start the process toward a binding separation referendum. “It’s time to have a vote, understand the will of Albertans on this subject, and move on,” Smith said in a televised address on Thursday evening. The vote will take place Oct. 19. The announcement marks an es…
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