CALGARY – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently expressed that the desire among Albertans to separate from Canada has reached unprecedented levels. Speaking to reporters in Calgary, she highlighted a significant sense of frustration and anger directed towards the federal government, particularly Ottawa.
Smith pointed to a recent byelection in the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills riding, where a separatist candidate received nearly 18 percent of the vote—a notable indicator of the rising separatist sentiment in the province. She remarked, “I’ve never seen such a high level of separatist sentiment,” noting that while the recent byelection reflects strong support for separatism, a historical byelection in 1982 saw a separatist candidate secure over 40 percent of the vote in the same riding.
Despite the growing separatist feelings, Smith emphasized that the victory of her United Conservative Party candidate in Monday's byelection suggests the public's desire for collaboration with the federal government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. When questioned about what actions could potentially diminish separatist sentiment, Smith placed the onus on Ottawa, similar to actions taken following the 1982 byelection when then-Prime Minister Brian Mulroney eliminated the National Energy Program, which she claimed subsequently quelled separatist feelings.
Smith argued that the federal government's current policies, which she claims inhibit energy production and investment within Alberta, are akin to historical federal failures. In recent months, she has urged Carney to repeal various federal laws and programs that she believes undermine Alberta's economic interests, including a proposed emissions cap, net-zero electricity grid regulations, and the West Coast tanker ban. She stated, “If Ottawa wants to work with me to cause that (separatist) sentiment to subside, then we need to materially address the nine bad laws that have created that negative investment climate," suggesting that reforms are necessary to alleviate the separatist movement.
Federal Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, who was present alongside Smith, responded to the Alberta Premier's assertions by expressing hope that recent legislation aimed at expediting the approval process for major projects indicates that Canada is at a pivotal point. Freeland stated, “I think we are on a really good path recognizing we need to be united,” emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges faced by both Canada and Alberta.
Smith mentioned that the passage of Ottawa’s legislation, which advanced through the Senate on Thursday, has given her optimism regarding potential changes. Earlier in the week, she announced the establishment of a 15-member panel expected to tour Alberta during the summer to gather input on strategies to counter federal overreach. This initiative echoes a similar endeavor conducted by former Premier Jason Kenney in 2019, with Smith indicating that her panel is building on Kenney’s foundation.
The newly formed panel will engage in discussions around creating a provincial pension plan, establishing an independent police force, and forming a provincial tax collection agency. Additionally, it will survey Albertans regarding the creation of an immigration permit system that would restrict non-approved immigrants from accessing provincially funded services, such as healthcare and education.
This evolving political landscape in Alberta underscores the challenges of federal-provincial relations in Canada, highlighting a growing sentiment for autonomy among Albertans and the ongoing dialogue regarding the province's economic future.
