Alberta MLA Martin Long Rejects Calls for Provincial Separation

JASPER — Martin Long, Member of the Legislative Assembly for West Yellowhead, said he does not support the idea of Alberta separating from Canada.

Long clarified his position during a brief interview with The Jasper Local on March 5.

Support for a united Canada

The provincial politician explained that he believes Alberta should remain part of a united country.

“I support a strong Alberta within a united Canada,” Long said while attending public events in Jasper.

At the time, he participated in a Franco-Alberta flag-raising ceremony and announced provincial support for a new 40-unit below-market housing development in the community.

Leaders gather for housing announcement

Several officials joined Long during the housing announcement. Among them were Richard Ireland, mayor of Jasper; Eleanor Olszewski, the federal Liberal member of Parliament and ministerial lead for Jasper’s recovery; and Andrew Campbell, senior vice-president of operations at Parks Canada.

During the event, Long also noted that Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, has taken steps to strengthen the national economy. He pointed to a memorandum of understanding on energy and economic cooperation signed between Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Addressing speculation about his views

Long, who originally comes from Nova Scotia, said some political activists from different sides have incorrectly suggested that he supports the idea of an independent Alberta.

However, he emphasized that his position remains clear: Alberta should remain strong while continuing to be part of Canada.
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