A legislative committee in Alberta is set to reconvene on Thursday to deliberate its response to a pro-Canada petition, following a communications misstep that derailed the governing United Conservative Party's attempt to include a secession question on the province's fall referendum ballot.
Committee Meeting to Address Independence Question
The agenda for the UCP-controlled committee's meeting has not been made public, but the party is anticipated to propose a motion recommending that the cabinet present an independence question to voters. On Wednesday, the committee appeared ready to add such a question to the fall ballot after UCP MLA Nate Glubish introduced a motion to that effect. However, before a vote could occur, the UCP caucus prematurely issued a statement claiming the committee had already recommended moving forward with an independence referendum. The statement included quotes from committee chair and UCP MLA Brandon Lunty.
NDP Accuses UCP of Undermining Democracy
The Alberta NDP criticized the UCP for presuming the outcome, arguing that the premature statement trampled on the democratic process. The meeting concluded before governing party MLAs could revive the motion.
Premier Smith to Address Province
Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to deliver a televised address to the province at 8:45 p.m. ET, shortly after the committee meeting is expected to end. Smith has not disclosed the topic of her speech, which will cap a busy day following her announcement of major cabinet changes in the morning.
A recent court decision invalidating a separatist group's independence petition has raised questions about whether Smith will leverage her government's authority to call a secession referendum. She faces pressure from separatists within her own party to take such action.
Background on the Citizen Initiative
The committee, formally known as the Select Special Citizen Initiative Proposal Review Committee, was formed in response to a successful pro-Canada petition by the group Forever Canadian. The petition proposed a vote asking Albertans whether they agree the province should remain in Confederation, gathering over 400,000 signatures last year. The meeting adjourned before UCP MLAs could revive the motion.
