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Danielle Smith on Leaving Canada

Works for unity (moderate)

TL;DR

Danielle Smith acknowledges high separatist sentiment but asserts the provincial desire for leaving Canada is best quelled by federal action.

Key Points

  • She stated in June 2025 that Albertans' desire for leaving Canada was at its highest level ever, citing a byelection result.

  • She maintains that the responsibility to quell separatist sentiment lies with Ottawa, referencing how sentiment evaporated after the National Energy Program was removed.

  • Her government is focused on building a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, rather than actively advocating for separation.

Summary

Danielle Smith stated that the public desire in Alberta to leave Canada has never been higher, noting a separatist candidate garnered nearly 18 per cent of the vote in a recent byelection. She expressed that Albertans feel deeply frustrated and angry with Ottawa, viewing the federal government's response as crucial to reducing separatist sentiment. The Premier indicated that if the federal government addresses what she terms as nine 'bad laws' stifling energy production and investment, she suspects the air will be let out of the movement, putting the onus on the Prime Minister to act.

She emphasized that her party focuses on building a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, a stance critics suggest is intentionally ambiguous, appealing to both federalists and separatists. Following the byelection win, she asserted the result meant the public wants her government to work with the federal administration. Smith declined to denounce separatists outright, stating her focus is on giving Albertans hope and demonstrating through action that Canada can function effectively for them.

Key Quotes

"This is really in Ottawa's hands."

Frequently Asked Questions

Danielle Smith's official position is supporting a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada. She acknowledges the high level of separatist sentiment among Albertans due to federal policies. However, she places the responsibility for easing this tension on the federal government to change course on specific legislation.

Her publicly articulated position has been consistent in recent public statements, framing the issue as a consequence of federal action rather than an autonomous goal. Political observers note that her rhetoric is intentionally broad, allowing her to speak to both federalist and separatist sentiments simultaneously.

Following a byelection where a separatist candidate garnered nearly 18 per cent of the vote, the Premier confirmed she had never seen such a high level of separatist sentiment. She interpreted her own party's candidate victory as a mandate to work with the federal government to resolve underlying frustrations.