Alberta’s opposition leader is urging against holding a referendum on separating from Canada amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is calling on Premier Danielle Smith to either cancel or delay the referendum, stating that it is not the right time for such a move.
Nenshi emphasized the importance of unity during the trade war with the U.S. that has seen tariffs imposed on Canadian goods. The referendum, scheduled for October 19, includes a question about starting the legal process for a future binding vote on separation from Canada.
In response to Nenshi’s remarks, Smith’s office reiterated that the referendum will proceed as planned, citing the significant public support for addressing the issue. Smith highlighted the importance of understanding the desires of Albertans through the voting process and confirmed her personal stance in favor of remaining part of Canada.
Meanwhile, Parti Quebecois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has indicated that his party would postpone a separation referendum in Quebec until the end of U.S. President Donald Trump’s term, citing concerns about the impact of the Trump administration on the process.
The Alberta NDP has accused Smith of using the separatist vote to appease certain factions within her party, contrasting the situation with Quebec’s historical separatist movements. The lead-up to the referendum has sparked advocacy campaigns from both supporters and opponents, including a joint effort by former political rivals Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney to promote Alberta’s continued membership in Canada.