PM says Alberta ‘essential’ to Canada as separatists push for independence
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Alberta's premier, Danielle Smith, plans to hold a non-binding vote in October to ask residents if they want to start the legal process for a binding referendum on independence, despite a judge blocking a citizen-initiated referendum petition.
- The judge ruled the citizen petition invalid because separatists did not consult Indigenous groups potentially affected by Alberta's separation from Canada.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized Alberta's crucial role in Canada's future and expressed commitment to working with the province to improve the country, including support for a new oil pipeline project.
- Support for Alberta independence has reached a record high of about 30%, driven by frustration over federal policies seen as harmful to the province's oil industry.
- Smith, while supporting Alberta remaining in Canada, insists on allowing a democratic debate on independence and hopes federal backing for the oil sector will reduce separatist tensions.