Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre has announced that he will be actively campaigning on the pro-Canada side ahead of a likely Alberta referendum. The Calgary-born politician told reporters Thursday that he will travel through his home province to make the case for a united Canada.
Poilievre's Commitment to Canadian Unity
"As prime minister in waiting, I will … be campaigning across the province of Alberta, encouraging Albertans to stay as part of the Canadian family, and encouraging nationwide unity for all Canadians," said Poilievre. He emphasized that all members of his Conservative caucus will join him in "campaigning for Canadian unity in Alberta."
Poilievre also stated that Conservatives will campaign on the federalist side in Quebec if separatists emerge victorious in this fall's provincial election. He made these remarks at an unrelated press conference on property rights near Vancouver.
Understanding Alberta's Grievances
While describing himself as a "strong Canadian federalist," Poilievre acknowledged that "federal Liberal irritants" such as the gun buyback program and restrictions on oil and gas developments have fueled resentments in Alberta. "We believe that Alberta deserves a fairer deal in this country … but all for the purpose of making our country more united, more affordable and more strong," he added.
Upcoming Referendum Announcement
Poilievre's comments come just hours before Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to announce that a question relating to the province's future in Canada will be added to the October 19 referendum ballot. Some 700,000 Albertans have signed two separate petitions calling for referendums on Alberta's place in Canada. Smith is scheduled to deliver a televised address to Albertans at 6:45 p.m. MT on Thursday evening.
Internal Disagreements and Political Context
Two senior Alberta cabinet ministers tendered their resignations on Wednesday, a development seen by some as a sign of internal disagreement over a potential separatist referendum. The Conservatives hold 33 of Alberta's 37 seats in the House of Commons. Poilievre has been the MP for the rural Alberta riding of Battle River—Crowfoot since August 2025, after being parachuted into the safe Alberta seat following his loss of a long-held Ottawa area seat in the April federal election.
Polls indicate that separatism is gaining traction among right-leaning Albertans, particularly in rural parts of the province.
