Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has opened the door to a possible referendum on the separation of this oil-rich region from Canada, giving legitimacy to a debate that could deeply affect national unity and divisive voices following Donald Trump's call to make the country the 51st state of the US.
During an online conversation with citizens on Monday, Smith said her government would not propose a referendum on separation itself, but that a citizen-led vote is welcome and expected to happen next year. She stressed that even those in favor of separation deserve respect as committed citizens of Alberta.
"We need to listen to each other and coexist in peace," Smith said, adding that she personally does not support separatism but still believes Alberta can reach a fair deal with the federal government in Ottawa.
However, with this statement, Smith has legitimized a dangerous debate that could lead to the possible separation of the province. She did not answer a fundamental question: if a majority of Alberta citizens vote for separation, will she take the steps to make it a reality, as happened with Brexit in the United Kingdom ?
The remarks came at a sensitive time, as federal Prime Minister Mark Carney was traveling to Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Smith's speech made no mention of any national or international issues, focusing instead on Alberta's ongoing grievances with the federal government and the new focus on the idea of separation.
Meanwhile, petitions for a referendum are circulating across the province after the Smith government eased the rules for collecting signatures. This has raised concerns among many citizens, who see separatism as a serious threat to social stability and equality.
Some opponents have linked this to white supremacist movements, and there has been a noticeable increase in racist rhetoric on social media, particularly against Indigenous peoples. In response, Smith emphasized her commitment to protecting the rights of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. She made it clear that any referendum question must respect the historic treaties and constitutional rights of these communities.
“It is non-negotiable,” she said, “ that any potential referendum not violate these rights. ” (A2 Televizion)
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