National

Smith says sovereignty referendum provides 'outlet' to avoid creation of new party

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 08 May, 2025 10:33 AM

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she's willing to risk a separation referendum to avert the growth of a political rival.

Smith has said she doesn't support separating her province from Canada, but Albertans have genuine grievances with the federal government, and she wants concessions from Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Speaking to CTV News Channel, Smith was asked if it wasn't easier to quell separatism by taking it off the table.

Smith says, “if there isn’t an outlet, it creates a new party.”

Smith cites the high popularity of the sovereigntist Parti Québécois in Quebec, saying she doesn't want to see that happen in her home province.

Her United Conservative Party is the amalgamation of two right-wing parties that joined in 2017 to win power from then-New Democrat premier Rachel Notley in 2019.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancouver mayor proposes pause on new supportive housing in Downtown Eastside

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has unveiled a plan to revitalize the city's troubled Downtown Eastside, including pausing the construction of net new supportive housing units. Sim told a Save Our Streets forum, held by a coalition of groups concerned about crime and public safety in B.C., that the proposal is one of three key policy shifts being planned to transform the Downtown Eastside.

Vancouver mayor proposes pause on new supportive housing in Downtown Eastside

U.S. tariff threat adds urgency for B.C.'s energy independence: minister

British Columbia Energy Minister Adrian Dix says the looming threat of American tariffs raises the stakes for boosting the province's energy independence. Dix says there was urgency before the U.S. election last November, but "there's more now" as American President Donald Trump threatens to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods.

U.S. tariff threat adds urgency for B.C.'s energy independence: minister

Victoria garbage truck driver delivers fire to fire department

The driver of a garbage truck in Victoria is being hailed for his quick thinking when he saw smoke coming from the back compartment. The Victoria Firefighters Association posted its praise on social media saying the driver called 911 when he saw the smoke — then drove straight to the firehall.

Victoria garbage truck driver delivers fire to fire department

Joly off to Washington to talk tariffs with Rubio as Trump floats 5% target for NATO

Trump is threatening to impose 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on imports from Canada starting on Feb. 1 though Joly says things are still in transition while Trump hasn't yet confirmed a commerce secretary.

Joly off to Washington to talk tariffs with Rubio as Trump floats 5% target for NATO

Freeland says she's abandoning capital gains tax change because of Trump

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland says her promise to repeal changes to the capital gains tax was made in response to Donald Trump's election in the United States. Freeland is running to be the next leader of the Liberal party and the next prime minister.

Freeland says she's abandoning capital gains tax change because of Trump

Additional housing for Nanaimo campus

Construction is underway on additional student housing on the Vancouver Island University campus in Nanaimo. BC's Ministry of Post-Secondary Education says the addition will provide 266 new beds along with study rooms, lounge areas, shared kitchens and a 200-seat dining hall.