Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack has labeled Premier Danielle Smith's pledge to include a separation question on the fall ballot as 'catastrophic.' In a televised address on Thursday, Smith announced a new referendum question for October 19, though it will not directly address secession. Knack told reporters on Friday that he had to reassure a major employer that Edmonton remains a sound investment destination amid the ongoing separation discourse.
Mayor's Concerns
'It is a very real risk that we are wasting so much time when we have so many more important issues we need to be working on right now,' Knack said. He emphasized the detrimental impact of the separation debate on Edmonton's economic stability and investment climate.
Smith's Two-Part Question
At a Friday press conference, Smith stated she has been campaigning for Alberta to stay within Canada and would vote against separation in the fall referendum. She noted that between the Forever Canada petition and the Stay Free Alberta petition, 700,000 signatures demanded a separation referendum. 'As a government, I think the responsible thing to do is to honour democracy. Let this debate happen over the next five months, and I will do everything I can to convince Albertans that the choice should be to remain,' Smith said.
The additional question, alongside nine others on immigration and the constitution, reads: '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?'
Expert Analysis
Grace Skogstad, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Toronto, criticized the two-part question for lacking clarity. She noted it fails to provide a clear 'yes' or 'no' answer, which is essential for a referendum. Skogstad added that separation discussions will inevitably impact the provincial economy. 'Various people have come out today and said that this is creating uncertainty and business wants certainty,' she said. 'These are big infrastructure projects, they’re going to cost billions of dollars… what I think might well happen is that kind of investment will be held back.'
Campaigns Against Separation
Several groups have launched campaigns urging Albertans to pledge support for remaining in Canada. Former Premier Jason Kenney and Conservative MP Monte Solberg initiated the 'Vote to Stay' campaign on Thursday evening following Smith's address. A press release stated the campaign aims to disseminate information, listen to concerns, and secure pledges against separation.
