‘We Are All One’: Poilievre Calls on Albertans to Not Give Up on Canada

CALGARY—Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the frustrations felt by some Albertans who want independence from Canada are shared by others across Canada, but said the path forward is to “lock arms” and work within a united Canada, rather than pursuing separation.

The Alberta-born Tory leader delivered the remarks Oct. 16 at the Canada Strong and Free conference in Calgary, calling on the audience to remember aspects of Canadian identity that transcend politics.

“To those people who are thinking about taking out their frustration on the current government by voting for separation in the referendum, I say this: Canada is more than a government. It is a people, a flag, a land, a history, and a promise,” Poilievre said.

“What you really want to restore is the Canada that you knew and still love—with solid borders, safe streets, affordable food, homes, boundless resource wealth, and opportunity for everyone.”

Poilievre said many Albertans who support separation remain proud Canadians but feel the country “has moved away from its foundations and denied its basic promise,” citing concerns about housing affordability, high grocery prices, immigration, and criminal justice.

“Your frustration is understandable, but your problem, our problem, is not with our fellow Canadians. We’re in this together,” he said.

“Our real goal should not be separation. It should be restoration. It should not be to tear down our country, but to build it up,” he added.

Poilievre also said Alberta enjoys economic benefits by belonging to a larger nation, including cross-country infrastructure, domestic market access, and international trade.

“Don’t leave your fellow Canadians behind. Lock arms with them,” he said. “Quitting is the easy way out, and Albertans are not quitters.”

Albertans vote Oct. 19 on whether to stay in Canada or start the process to hold a legally binding referendum to leave, in addition to nine additional questions relating to more provincial authority for Alberta on immigration, judicial appointments, and whether to pursue abolishing the Senate, among other matters.

Poilievre’s speech comes the day after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s rally in Calgary, in which the prime minister called on Alberta to remain in Canada and said voting in favour of a separation referendum is a “dangerous bluff.”

Carney pointed to Alberta’s many contributions to Canada during his remarks, and said major projects moving ahead such as the Pacific Link pipeline from Alberta to B.C. are proof of progress.

“Canada is building big again, and Alberta is at the very heart of it,” he said, while urging Albertans to vote against holding a separation referendum and vote “no” on the additional nine ballot questions.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has urged Albertans to vote to remain in Canada but vote “yes” on the additional nine questions, saying it would “send a message to Ottawa.”