Surprise! We have the Danielle Smith two-step. If your head is hurting by the time you read this column, it is not because you ate ice cream too fast.
A Change of Plans
It was not supposed to turn out this way. Smith knows that. This Alberta independence issue was supposed to be settled with a clear question asking for a clear answer from Albertans and getting a clear decision. Seems simple enough. Alas, that is not to be.
Albertans are not getting to vote on whether they want Alberta in or out of Canada. At least not yet. Maybe never. Many of the Alberta separatists will hit the roof. They are not getting what they want, and when they do not get what they want, they will be sure to tell you. Others in the opposite corner of the political ring will still demand there should be no referendum vote even mentioning the thought of Alberta independence.
But Premier Danielle Smith and her UCP government are gambling on most Albertans backing her latest move in this game of political poker, the one her people believe is the best play given a less-than-great hand. We shall see.
The Surprise Question
I told you it would be a surprise. I told you the question going to a vote of Albertans on Oct. 19 would not be: “Should Alberta remain in Canada or leave?” There is no Yes or No vote on Alberta leaving Canada. Instead, you will vote Yes or No on the following question: 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 referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?
It is a referendum vote on whether to have a referendum, whether to give the Alberta government the green light to kick-start the legal process necessary to hold a binding referendum vote on whether Albertans want to be part of Canada or not.
What Is Up with That?
Smith wanted to put Alberta independence on the ballot in some way. She did not want a ballot with nothing on independence but did not want to put something on the ballot the courts might trash. In her Thursday TV address to Albertans, Smith is quick to point out the separatist petition is a no-go for now. The Alberta independence petition is in the courts because a judge said some First Nations were not properly consulted. The premier believes the judge is wrong and sees it as a legal mistake in a single ruling, and she feels deeply troubled that those who worked to have a referendum are having their voices muzzled.
