Full Breakdown
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Vows No Second Separation Referendum
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Position Ahead of Oct. 19 Vote
In a televised interview, Premier Danielle Smith told CBC News chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault that she will not authorize another referendum on Alberta’s separation if a majority votes to stay in Canada. She framed the stance as personal: “Not as long as I’m premier.” Smith added that any rejected proposals on the ballot would simply lead the government to explore other concerns raised by Albertans.
Polling Shows Division Within the United Conservative Party
Province-wide polls commissioned by CBC News indicate roughly 72 % of respondents would vote to remain in Canada, while 23 % support initiating a binding separation referendum. By contrast, internal UCP polling shows a stark split: 53 % of self-identified UCP supporters favor the separation option, and 40 % would vote to stay. The disparity was highlighted when Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan publicly disclosed his vote for the separation question at a town-hall meeting.
Separatist Leaders Criticize Smith’s Stance
Separatist advocate Jeffrey Rath argued that the party’s pro-independence faction must move to replace Smith, likening the effort to the leadership challenge that ousted former premier Jason Kenney. Mitch Sylvestre, a separatist leader, joined the criticism, describing Smith as “public enemy number 1” for her firm “remain” position. Smith confirmed she has no contact with these leaders.
Legal Background and Upcoming Ballot
Earlier this year, Justice Shaina Leonard dismissed a citizen-led petition for separation, ruling that the chief electoral officer’s approval contained errors and that a separation vote would breach First Nations treaty rights. Both the provincial government and separatist leaders have appealed the decision, leaving the legal challenge unresolved as the province prepares to vote on ten questions—including the separation referendum—on Oct. 19.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Not as long as I’m premier,” — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith (Smith’s pledge not to hold a second referendum)
- “If they’re rejected, then you know what? I guess we’ll have to pursue other things,” — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith (Smith on pursuing other issues if proposals are rejected)
- “As you've probably seen, I'm kind of public enemy number one for that group,” — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith (Smith on being viewed as “public enemy number 1” by separatists)