Carney warns Alberta not to gamble on a Brexit-style referendum
Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that Alberta's plan for an October referendum on formal secession is a
All articles tagged with #danielle smith
Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that Alberta's plan for an October referendum on formal secession is a

Alberta’s premier Danielle Smith introduces a convoluted, potentially binding referendum on separating from Canada, a move critics say mirrors Brexit and risks deepening a fractured political climate; the push is hampered by internal party strife, a high-profile data breach linked to a prior petition, and a court ruling that the effort lacked proper consultation with First Nations, while federal Conservatives pledge to campaign for Alberta to remain in Canada.
Premier Danielle Smith announced an Oct. 19 vote to decide whether Alberta should stay in Canada or begin the legal process for a binding provincial separation referendum, intensifying separatist tensions as Stay Free Alberta’s petition faces a court halt. Smith says she’ll vote to remain in Canada and push for greater provincial autonomy, with the ballot also including immigration and constitutional questions. Ottawa emphasizes national unity while business groups warn that continued uncertainty could threaten investment and energy projects in the oil-rich province.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he expects President Trump to respect Canadian sovereignty after reports that Alberta independence activists met with US officials. The episode follows British Columbia’s premier accusing the separatists of treason, while a White House spokesperson said US officials met with civil-society groups and conveyed no commitments. Alberta has approved a petition for an independence referendum with a May deadline to collect about 178,000 signatures; Ipsos polls show roughly 28% of Albertans could vote yes, signaling continued support for separation amid tense US-Canada relations and tariff disputes.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged the United States to respect Canadian sovereignty and refrain from meddling in Alberta’s push for independence, as the Alberta Prosperity Project seeks U.S. backing and a potential $500-billion loan, with premiers and opponents warning of foreign interference amid wider trade tensions.

Linda Blade, a sport performance professional, praises Premier Danielle Smith for her measured approach to Alberta's new gender identity guidelines, particularly in addressing the impact of biological males who identify as women on women's sports. Blade supports Smith's stance on creating an open category for both biological males and females while retaining a women's only division for biological women, citing evidence of the competitive advantage transgender female athletes have over women and girls. Blade criticizes Canadian sports policy bureaucrats for straying from fairness and science, and commends Smith for being the adult in the room amidst the controversy.

Danielle Smith, leader of the United Conservative Party, has won the Alberta election, signaling a further rightward shift in the traditionally conservative province. Smith's victory is expected to lead to more tension with the federal Liberal government, particularly over climate change policies. Smith has faced a series of controversies and gaffes since becoming premier in October, but her win marks a stunning personal comeback. She has promised to stand up to the federal government and proposed a controversial Alberta Sovereignty Act.