Danielle Smith Rules Out Another Separation Referendum Under Her Leadership
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has ruled out holding another separation referendum if voters choose to remain part of Canada in the October 19 vote.
Speaking to CBC News chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault in Calgary on Friday, Smith said she would not pursue another referendum while serving as premier.
Albertans are preparing to vote on 10 questions, including whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the process of arranging a second, binding referendum on independence. The ballot also includes five questions concerning immigration and four related to Canada’s Constitution.
Smith’s position differs from that of several separatist leaders, who have vowed to continue their campaign regardless of the referendum’s outcome.
When asked about the level of support required for the other nine questions, Smith suggested that a simple majority would generally determine the results. She added that rejected proposals would prompt her government to explore other public concerns.
Polls Show Strong Support for Remaining in Canada
A recent poll conducted for CBC News indicated that 72 per cent of respondents supported remaining in Canada, while 23 per cent favoured starting the legal process for a binding separation referendum.
However, opinion within Smith’s United Conservative Party appears divided. Polling suggested that 53 per cent of respondents who intended to vote for the UCP supported the separation option, compared with 40 per cent who favoured remaining in Canada.
Smith has also faced criticism from within her party. UCP MLA Jason Stephan said he had voted in favour of the separation option, while a party constituency association in southern Alberta called for a review of her leadership.
Smith Highlights Cooperation With Ottawa
Smith said she had spent recent months encouraging Albertans to remain part of Canada. She argued that cooperation with Prime Minister Mark Carney had improved relations between Alberta and the federal government.
She pointed to progress on the proposed Pacific Link pipeline and the repeal of several federal laws as examples of improving cooperation.
The premier acknowledged that she engages with people who disagree with her position but said she was not in contact with separatist leaders. She described herself as a major target of criticism among independence advocates because of her firm support for remaining in Canada.
Separatist campaigner Jeffrey Rath has argued that supporters of independence may need to replace Smith to advance their objectives, potentially through a special meeting to review her leadership.
Legal Dispute Continues Over Separation Petition
A separate citizen-led petition seeking an Alberta separation referendum was rejected by a judge earlier this year. Justice Shaina Leonard ruled that the chief electoral officer had made errors when approving the petition and found that separation would violate First Nations treaty rights.
Both the Alberta government and separatist leader Mitch Sylvestre are appealing the ruling.
While the legal challenges remain unresolved, the provincial government added its own separation question to the October referendum ballot in May. Smith’s latest comments make clear that, if voters choose to remain in Canada, she does not intend to hold another separation referendum during her premiership.
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