Alberta’s opposition leader is advising against proceeding with a referendum on separation from Canada amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is urging Premier Danielle Smith to either cancel or delay the referendum, emphasizing the need for national unity during the current trade dispute. The referendum, scheduled for October 19, includes a question about initiating the process for a future binding vote on Alberta’s potential separation from Canada.
In response to Nenshi’s statements, Smith’s office referred to her previous remarks on a radio show where she emphasized the importance of honoring the petitions signed by citizens who demanded the referendum. Despite the criticism, Smith reiterated that the referendum will proceed as planned based on the citizens’ expressed desires.
Nenshi’s stance aligns with comments made by Parti Quebecois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, who indicated a similar intention to delay a separation referendum in Quebec until the end of U.S. President Donald Trump’s term. Both leaders highlighted concerns about the impact of external factors, such as the Trump administration, on the referendum process and discussions about the provinces’ futures.
The Alberta NDP has accused Smith of using the separatist vote to appease hardline factions within her party rather than addressing the genuine concerns of Albertans. Nenshi drew a comparison with the historical separatist movements in Quebec, suggesting a difference in approach between the two provinces. Meanwhile, advocacy campaigns from various groups have intensified ahead of the referendum, with former political rivals Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney joining forces to promote Alberta’s continued membership in Canada.