Notley and Kenney to co-chair unity campaign ahead of Oct. 19 referendum
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has recruited two former Alberta premiers from opposing parties to lead its push to keep the province in Canada.
Why it matters
The referendum could determine Alberta's future within Canada, and business leaders warn the uncertainty is already affecting the provincial economy.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce announced that former premiers Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley will co-chair its campaign urging Albertans to stay in Canada. Kenney led the United Conservative Party government that defeated Notley's NDP in 2019. The chamber says the pair will work to show that a prosperous Alberta is one that remains part of Canada, though specific campaign plans are still being developed through discussions between the co-chairs and chamber members.
The announcement comes ahead of an Oct. 19 referendum in which Albertans will vote on whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding vote on separation. Chamber president Candace Laing said in a statement that amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Canada benefits from greater economic co-operation rather than less.
Kenney has spent the summer criticizing the separatist movement, calling it a fringe cause that risks undermining legitimate provincial grievances with Ottawa. Notley has accused Premier Danielle Smith's UCP government of pushing a separatist agenda onto Albertans. In a statement, Notley said she and Kenney disagree on many issues but are united in viewing the referendum as bad for business and poorly timed given the ongoing trade dispute with the United States.
Notley said she expects to stand alongside Kenney until the referendum question is resolved, after which she said the two could return to debating policy from opposing political sides.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.