Alberta Premier Announces Referendum Question on Provincial Status in Canada

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced in a recorded video address Thursday night that Albertans will vote in October on whether the province should hold a binding referendum on separating from Canada. The question will be added to nine other referendum questions on immigration policy and constitutional matters already scheduled for the October 19 ballot.

Smith's announcement followed a court ruling last week in which Justice Shaina Leonard declared a pro-Alberta independence citizen initiative petition invalid. The ruling stated the Alberta government failed to consult First Nations before the chief electoral officer issued the petition.

The announcement also came on the same day an all-party legislative committee recommended that the federalist Forever Canadian citizen petition be put to a referendum.

Carney said Friday that Alberta is essential to building Canada and that the country is working in a spirit of cooperative federalism. Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack issued a statement saying the referendum plan is a distraction from issues such as affordability, health care, and education.

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas criticized the government for planning to appeal the court decision that voided the Stay Free Alberta petition. He said he welcomes the chance to vote and will campaign in favor of staying in Canada.

Law professor Gerard Kennedy at the University of Alberta said the proposed question amounts to a referendum to have a referendum. He said a vote to start the process would have no legal effect due to the prior court decision. Kennedy said the vote could have a moral effect and could serve as a bargaining chip in negotiations.

Former Conservative MP Monte Solberg launched the Vote to Stay organization to advocate against separation. Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney and former Alberta finance minister Travis Toews are part of the group. Smith's chief of staff said the United Conservative Party remains a big tent that includes members in favor of separation but that separatists are not in control of the party.