Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, in her regular Saturday radio program based in Calgary, expressed optimism about Alberta remaining in Confederation despite an upcoming referendum on separatism. She warned of Brexit-level consequences if the province were to leave Canada.
Smith's Stance on Separatism
Smith stated that the frustration among Albertans stemmed from a decade of federal Liberal and NDP coalition policies that aimed to shut down the province's resources. However, she noted that those policies have now been corrected. She emphasized that severing ties with Canada would create significant difficulties, drawing parallels to the United Kingdom's post-Brexit regrets over trade systems.
"I can tell you, it just makes things a lot more difficult if you say that you want to sever the relationship and go your own way. I'm seeing that in the United Kingdom, they're already talking about how they can re-establish an open trade system in the UK 10 years on, and I don't want there to be that kind of regret," Smith said.
Caller Concerns and Party Unity
A caller named Trevor expressed support for the referendum as a means to show Canada that Alberta is serious about seeking a better deal. However, he voiced concerns about potential fractures within the United Conservative Party (UCP) that could allow the NDP to win the next election. Smith responded by advocating for continued collaboration among provinces and building on successes.
Western Premiers' Cooperation
Smith highlighted the recent Western Premiers' Conference in Kananaskis, Alberta, as a "really powerful table to be at." She noted a shift in focus from previous meetings, which centered on federal health-care funding, to pressing the federal government to meet NATO commitments and invest in strategic infrastructure such as ports, airports, and rail systems. This, she argued, sends a strong signal to the United States about Canada's reliability as a partner and supports trade negotiations.
"It was an important signal to send to the United States that we were going to be a proper partner at the table in meeting our international commitments, which we felt would help with our trade negotiations," Smith said.
Staying in Confederation
Smith reiterated her belief that Alberta should remain part of Canada, citing "a lot of wins" including the reestablishment of a positive relationship with the federal government and the potential for Western Canada to become an economic powerhouse. She warned against the complexities and regrets that could arise from separation, urging Albertans to focus on collaboration and shared success.
