Poilievre Says Alberta Separation ‘Will Not Solve Problems’ in Edmonton Speech

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Albertans to vote to stay in Canada, arguing that “honest conversations” about their frustrations could help address their concerns while keeping the country united.

Poilievre spoke to Conservatives in Edmonton on Sept. 29, one of several speeches he has given as part of an effort to persuade Albertans to remain in Canada.

Premier Danielle Smith has called a 10-question referendum for Oct. 19. The 10th question asks Albertans whether they want Alberta to remain a province of Canada or whether the government should begin the legal process required to hold a future binding referendum on separation.

Smith has said she supports Alberta remaining in Canada and plans to vote that way. She has also said that, after hundreds of thousands of Albertans signed petitions both supporting and opposing separation, it is time to put the issue to rest.

Poilievre, who is from Calgary, described Canada as a “national family” and said families have problems that require “honest conversations to fix them to stay united.” He said people who have lost hope in Canada need a reason to “renew their faith” in the country.

“You do not do that by telling them that their complaints are illegitimate or that their problems will never be fixed,” he said.

Poilievre said many of the concerns driving Alberta separatism are not about Canada itself, but about federal policies that he says are inconsistent with the way the country was intended to function.

“Many Albertans are legitimately frustrated that a costly and controlling, big and bossy government has gone far beyond its jurisdictional boundaries,” he said.

Poilievre argued the federal government has failed to fulfil its responsibilities over the past decade on issues including immigration, criminal justice, military spending, and border security. He also accused Ottawa of intruding into areas outside its jurisdiction, including resource development and firearms regulation.

“The problem with all of these things is not Canada. Separation will not solve those problems. Becoming even more Canadian will,” Poilievre continued.

He said restoring what he described as the federal government’s “traditional role” would help “soothe frustrations.”

Poilievre also argued that Albertans’ demands for changes, including fewer barriers to resource development, could benefit other parts of the country. He urged Albertans not to turn away from other Canadians, but instead to “lock arms with the country” to pursue shared goals.

Poilievre also encouraged Albertans to “lock arms” with Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador to double oil production, with Quebec to restore provincial constitutional autonomy, and with Toronto communities for tougher criminal justice laws.

Earlier in the day, Poilievre attended a fundraiser for Conservatives for Canada, a group of federal politicians campaigning for Alberta to remain in Canada. He has tapped Alberta MP Dane Lloyd to lead the effort.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Alberta’s future is in Canada while acknowledging the province’s concerns about its place in Confederation. He has urged Albertans to work with Ottawa to address those concerns and warned that a vote on separation could have consequences voters do not anticipate, comparing it the UK’s Brexit vote a decade ago.

Carney said there is a “strong case” for a united Alberta within Canada and that the federal government would continue making that case. He pointed to the agreement he reached with Smith in May to work toward a new oil pipeline to the West Coast as an example of “co-operative federalism” that can help hold Canada together.

With files from the Canadian Press.