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Stephen Harper warns Alberta separatism will bring 'no benefit'
Harper said separation would be risky and difficult, while polling shows a majority of Albertans prefer to remain in Canada.
- On Oct 19, Albertans will vote on whether to remain in Canada or hold a second referendum on separation. Former prime minister Stephen Harper argued against separation, stating it "would involve much risk and be extremely difficult to bring about."
- Harper recalled that as late as 2015, support for secession in Alberta was non-existent because his government addressed issues like grain marketing and regulatory processes. He argued similar political support could be rallied again to keep Canada together.
- In a Calgary Herald column, Harper dismissed the "send a message" strategy used by proponents, noting that Quebecers spent generations debating similar goals. He warned this approach to retaining Ottawa's attention is mistaken.
- Countering UCP MLA Jason Stephan's view that a referendum compels Ottawa to act, Harper argued that addressing barriers rather than separation must remain the priority for Canada. Regardless of vote results, immediate action is needed.
- Harper warned that federal policies to "phase out" Alberta's principal industry damaged the Canadian economy and increased vulnerability to the Trump administration. He suggested the Liberal party risks losing power if policy does not change.
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Stephen Harper warns Alberta separatism will bring 'no benefit'
Former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper cautioned against the prospect of Alberta separation in a column Friday, writing that even voting just to "send a message" would represent a fraught approach.
·Ottawa, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
75% Left
L 75%
R 25%
Factuality
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