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

How Canadians are reacting to Donald Trump's tariffs

Canada is immediately imposing 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion worth of American products, and will expand that to cover another $125 billion in U.S. goods in 21 days. Here’s how political, business and union leaders reacted Tuesday.

How Canadians are reacting to Donald Trump's tariffs

The trade war is on between Canada and the U.S. Here's what you need to know

A trade war between Canada and its largest trading partner has begun, with tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump now in effect and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responding with a package of retaliatory tariffs. Stocks are tumbling, businesses are warning of impending layoffs and further measures from both countries are likely in the coming days.

The trade war is on between Canada and the U.S. Here's what you need to know

Key dates in the Canada-U.S. trade dispute as Trump launches trade war

Canada has responded with retaliatory tariffs, and markets are falling as investors brace for the economic impact that the duties will have on economies on both sides of the border. Canadians confused about Trump's plans aren't alone, with the U.S. president at times contradicting himself about his own tariff plans.

Key dates in the Canada-U.S. trade dispute as Trump launches trade war

As Trump's trade war begins, his team links his tariff agenda to drug trafficking

As market turbulence rattled some Washington lawmakers, U.S. President Donald Trump's closest advisers fanned out to TV news programs Tuesday to claim a link between economywide tariffs on Canada and Mexico and fentanyl trafficking. The president's executive order hitting Canada and Mexico with 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs, with a lower 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy, took effect Tuesday.

As Trump's trade war begins, his team links his tariff agenda to drug trafficking

Trudeau says he and the new Liberal leader will decide on his last day in office

With the Liberal party set to announce its new leader within days, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his last day in office will be determined by himself and his replacement. Responding to questions about U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs at a press conference today, Trudeau says a conversation will take place to decide how long of a transition the government needs.

Trudeau says he and the new Liberal leader will decide on his last day in office

Trudeau says the U.S. launched a 'very dumb' trade war and Canada is fighting back

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the U.S. has launched a "dumb" continental trade war and Canada is fighting back. He said Canada is immediately introducing 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion worth of American products, and will expand them to cover another $125 billion in U.S. goods in 21 days.