Premier Danielle Smith made it clear last week that she will not remain neutral during the referendum campaign. This stance applies to the nine questions the government has placed on the ballot for October 19, but whether it extends to the potential big question of Alberta separation remains uncertain. However, based on her recent statements, consistency demands that she take a position on separation as well.
Government's Referendum Website and Stance
Last week's update on the fall referendum did not introduce new ballot questions, such as one on Alberta separation, but instead launched a government website aimed at informing Albertans about the nine questions related to immigration policy and constitutional reform. The government is actively seeking a 'yes' vote on all these questions and openly endorses the policy changes they would bring. This is not a neutral information hub but rather a branch of the 'yes' campaign, funded and led by the Alberta government.
The premier was candid about her position, stating, 'These are clearly policies that we would like to get a mandate from, so I'm not neutral in it. I think these are the right policies for Albertans.' She also addressed the separatist question directly: 'My position is we should remain in Canada. That's the position of our government. We believe we should assert sovereignty within a united Canada. That is our policy.'
Reactions from Separatists
Smith's remarks drew condemnation and warnings from separatists. One prominent separatist told Postmedia's Rick Bell: 'She has no business coming out and telling the people who elected her leader that she disagrees with them. She is taking an adversarial position against her own membership by supporting the remain-in-Canada side. If she's not going to support us, she should stay out of it.' He added, 'I don't know how well that bodes for her future.'
While polls suggest a slight majority of self-identified UCP supporters are willing to support separation, and separatists have influence within the party, the UCP itself has not embraced separation. The premier's clear stance against separation is a notable departure from the separatist movement's goals.
