Some Canadians are side-eyeing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith after she claimed that Albertans are itching to leave Canada more than ever before.
In Calgary on Thursday, Smith told reporters that people in her province are both frustrated and angry with Ottawa.
“I’ve never seen such a high level of separatist sentiment,” Smith said.
She referenced a byelection in the province on Monday that saw a separatist candidate earn nearly 18 per cent of the vote in Alberta’s Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills riding. While Smith claims that the recent election results were record-breaking when it came to separatist support, the Canadian Press reports that a 1982 byelection in the same riding saw a separatist candidate snag more than 40 per cent of votes and win the race.
Although the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills riding was secured by United Conservative Party (UCP) candidate Tara Sawyer, who won over 61 per cent of the votes, Smith says this is a sign that the general public wants her to collaborate with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government.
However, when questioned about what the Alberta government could do to deter separatist sentiments, Smith pointed the finger at Ottawa, saying that, as it was in 1982, this is the responsibility of the federal government. Smith cited the end of the National Energy Program a few years later, saying that it caused separatist sentiments at the time to evaporate.
In recent months, Smith has called on Ottawa to end various federal policies and programs, including a proposed emissions cap.
“We need to materially address the nine bad laws that have created that negative investment climate,” she said on Thursday, adding that if the feds make the requested changes, she suspects they can quash separatist sentiments.
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Also speaking to reporters, Canada’s Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland said that she hopes people in the western province will view newly passed legislation that speeds up approvals for major projects as a sign that the country has reached a turning point.
“With that approach of positive intent, a shared recognition of the challenges Canada is facing, [and] Alberta is facing, I really think that we are at the beginning of a new chapter where we’re going to get a lot more done a lot faster,” Freeland said to reporters.
The Alberta premier said the newly passed legislation gave her hope that change is coming.
Also this week, Smith revealed The Alberta Next Panel, a collective of 15 people who will travel the province this summer to brainstorm how Alberta can combat interference from the federal government. Among other things, the panel will discuss the creation of an Alberta pension plan, police force and tax collection agency.
CANADIANS REACT
Some people online are showing their support for Smith and sharing why they think Alberta should separate.
“She’s absolutely right,” one person posted to X. “Alberta would be much better off on its own. All Canada has to offer to Alberta is leaching off our economy while impeding it at the same time.”
“Got that right. Visiting the east and I see no reason to stay with Canada. We’re divided let’s just cut the cord and be done with it,” another shared.
“She’s not wrong! All of Canada must wake up!” said another person.
While others disagree, voicing the opinion that most people feel the provinces should stay united.
“Those who desire to leave the greatest country in the world deserve to be called the biggest losers of all time,” one person said on X.
“That’s not the case. It’s just kinda sad at this point. What a sad way to go about both embarrassing yourself globally and all people in Alberta,” someone else shared.
“Desire to leave Canada has never been higher in Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith says, MISLEADING ALBERTANS,” another person said. “It’s never been higher, but it’s still really, really, f***ing low.”
