Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed concerns during an on-stage interview at the US-Canada Summit, stating that she fears Donald Trump might interfere in Alberta’s separatist movement. This movement has been gaining momentum in recent years, and Smith emphasized her stance against any foreign involvement in the province’s politics.
She pointed to what she perceives as a decade of mismanagement by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a contributing factor to the rise of the separatist sentiment. Smith’s remarks underscored her determination to prevent external influences from impacting Alberta’s political landscape.
As Trump continues to suggest the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st state, Smith is worried that his comments could reignite the separatist movement. She hopes this movement will diminish with the departure of Justin Trudeau earlier this year and the arrival of his successor, Mark Carney.
Smith made it clear that she does not want any foreign interference in Alberta’s politics. Her message was straightforward and unambiguous.
During her meeting with Mark Carney, Smith articulated her position clearly: «I’ve told Prime Minister Mark Carney that Justin Trudeau created an independence movement in Alberta and he can take the wind out of it.»
The premier left no room for ambiguity regarding her desire for Alberta to remain within Canada. She acknowledged that while she cannot control the emotions of Albertans, if a referendum were to ask, «Do you want to remain in Canada?», she would prefer the answer to be «Yes.»
The Forever Canadian campaign is currently leading a significant petition in Alberta. Launched by former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk, the initiative poses a direct question: «Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?»
To initiate a referendum, the petition requires 177,000 valid signatures. With over 230,000 signatures already collected, the organizers are aiming for 300,000 before the October 28 deadline. This goal is essential to ensure the petition passes Elections Alberta’s review.
If successful, the petition would not only lead to a vote but also prevent any competing sovereignty questions from being raised for the next five years.
This effort coincides with Premier Danielle Smith’s delicate political balancing act. While she has stated her desire for Albertans to respond «Yes» to remaining in Canada, she has also aligned herself with groups like the Alberta Prosperity Project, which advocate for a sovereignty referendum.
The petition, by preempting separatist initiatives, could complicate Smith’s strategy and highlight the deep divide between federalist and independence forces in the province.
