Alberta’s opposition leader has expressed concerns regarding the timing of a referendum on separating from Canada amidst ongoing trade tensions with the United States. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has urged Premier Danielle Smith to either cancel or postpone the referendum, stating that it sends a message of division during a critical period.
The referendum, scheduled for October 19, includes a question on whether the government should pursue a future binding vote on separation from Canada. Nenshi emphasized the importance of national unity, especially as Canada faces retaliatory tariffs from the U.S. and prepares for its own countermeasures effective September 8.
In response to Nenshi’s remarks, Premier Smith defended the referendum, citing the significant public support demonstrated through signed petitions. She reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the desires of Albertans through the democratic process.
Meanwhile, Parti Quebecois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon recently announced that his party would delay any referendum on Quebec’s separation until the conclusion of President Donald Trump’s term in the U.S. St-Pierre Plamondon expressed concerns about the potential impact of the Trump administration on the referendum process in Quebec.
The Alberta NDP has criticized Premier Smith for allegedly using the referendum to appease hardline separatists within her party, contrasting this approach with the historical separatist sentiments in Quebec. The upcoming referendum has spurred advocacy efforts from various groups, including a campaign led by former political rivals Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney to promote the benefits of Alberta remaining part of Canada.
