Mark Carney Says Alberta Vote Will Build a Better Canada After Danielle Smith Announces Referendum

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday he’s determined to build a better Canada after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a public vote on whether to move toward independence.

“Alberta province plans a public vote on whether to hold a binding referendum on leaving Canada TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta will hold a referendum in October on leaving Canada, but the province’s premier said Thursday it won’t actually be a vote on whether to separate”

Associated Press

The BBC said Alberta will ask citizens this October whether they want to remain part of Canada or kick-start the process of holding a binding referendum on separation, with the vote announced for 21 May in a televised address.

Associated Press

The BBC reported the referendum question will ask voters: "Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?"

The BBC also said a petition for a referendum was blocked by an Alberta court earlier this month after a judge ruled Alberta failed to consult indigenous First Nations whose land would be affected if the province became an independent state.

The Associated Press reported Danielle Smith said voters would be deciding whether it’s time to hold a referendum on quitting Canada rather than a direct vote on separation, adding that a “yes” vote in a binding referendum would still not trigger independence.

CBC reported Danielle Smith called the referendum question a way to resolve debate while saying she would respect the outcome of the vote, and it quoted her preferred ballot wording: "Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?"

CBC also quoted Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas calling the question “a BS version of a question to ask,” and it said he described it as “a ridiculous lack of leadership being demonstrated by a provincial government.”

BBC

The BBC said the separatist movement includes Mitch Sylvestre, a gun shop owner from Bonnyville, and Jeffrey Rath, a lawyer based in Calgary, and it said both are members of the Alberta Prosperity Project.

The BBC reported that Rath told the BBC he believes Alberta has more in common culturally with parts of the US than the rest of Canada, and it said he has traveled to Washington several times on what he described as a "fact-finding" mission.

The BBC further said the premier’s office clarified to the BBC that voters will have a choice of checking two boxes, with option A to remain in Canada and option B to commence the legal process to hold a binding separation referendum.

Global News reported Prime Minister Mark Carney said Alberta “being at the center” of Canadian development is “essential,” after Smith announced a referendum that will ask whether the province should leave Canada.

“Danielle Smith says 'Canada is working better every day' Smith says Alberta should remain in Canada Binding referendum on Alberta separation not possible this fall, says premier Nenshi slams Alberta's premier on separation referendum plan Nenshi calls campaign against Alberta separation 'the battle of our lives' PM says Alberta plays 'essential' role in building Canada after Smith announces referendum question Poilievre says he and his party will 'fight' for a united Canada Split from Canada would be 'a disaster' for Alberta, says Ontario Premier Doug Ford Alberta Premier Danielle Smith outlines new separation referendum plan Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew wonders what Alberta separatists have to complain about Stay Free Alberta appeals court decision on separation petition Higher taxes and separation referendum may be hurting Alberta tourism Alberta separatist group says more than 300K signed petition This morning, we heard from Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi for the first time since the premier’s address to the province”

CBC

The Associated Press said a 1998 Supreme Court ruling means provinces cannot secede unilaterally from Canada, and it reported that negotiations with the federal government would have to take place even if a binding referendum were approved.

The BBC said the launch of a referendum triggers a five-month campaign period for interested parties on both sides of the issue, and it reported Smith said she will vote for Alberta to remain.

The BBC also said Smith has faced pressure from separatist Albertans to hold a referendum on independence regardless of the legal decision, while it reported her government has appealed the court ruling.

The Washington Post said Carney vowed a better Canada after Smith announced the public vote, framing it as a major test of the country’s unity as Alberta prepares to go to the polls this October.