Preston Manning: Will Premier Smith Have the Last Word on the Best Path Forward for Alberta and Canada?
Commentary Alberta’s Premier Smith—leader of a government with annual revenues of $75+ billion, a majority in the provincial legislature, and leading her closest political opponent by 13–17 points according to a recent poll—on May 21 announced the addition of a tenth question to her proposed Oct. 19 referendum ballot. The question: “Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding referendum whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?” The announcement provoked a flurry of predictable reactions from predictable sources: the usual negatives from the NDP Opposition; fatuous fury from one spokesperson for the secession-championing Alberta Prosperity Project, but a more nuanced response from a wiser secession-advocate, lawyer Keith Wilson; dismay from Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk, while repeating his preference for a vote on the issue in the legislature; and declarations of renewed commitments to Canadian unity by former Premier Kenney, federal Opposition Leader Poilievre, and Prime Minister Carney, leader of the federal party most responsible for Western alienation....
Preston Manning: Will Premier Smith Have the Last Word on the Best Path Forward for Alberta and Canada? Alberta’s Premier Smith announced the addition of a tenth question to a proposed referendum ballot on May 21. This question asks whether Alberta should remain part of Canada or if the government should begin the legal process for a referendum on separation. The announcement generated predictable responses from various political figures and groups, including opposition parties, secession advocates, and proponents of Canadian unity.
- Alberta’s Premier Smith added a tenth question to a proposed Oct. 19 referendum ballot.
- The new question asks if Alberta should remain a province of Canada or if the government should start the legal process for a separation referendum.
- The announcement drew varied reactions, including opposition from the NDP, differing views from secession advocates, and calls for Canadian unity from other politicians.
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