NDP calls for Smith to scrap Oct. 19 separation referendum
Naheed Nenshi says holding the vote amid an escalating Canada-U.S. trade war undermines national unity, but Premier Danielle Smith's office says the vote will proceed as planned.
Why it matters
The referendum's outcome could shape Alberta's relationship with the rest of Canada at a time when the country is already navigating strained trade relations with the U.S.
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi called on Premier Danielle Smith to cancel or postpone the Oct. 19 referendum on whether to begin the legal process toward a future vote on separating from Canada. Speaking to reporters in Calgary on Tuesday, Nenshi argued the timing sends a message of disunity as Canada faces a trade dispute with the United States, which has imposed tariffs on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. Ottawa's counter-tariffs on American products, including steel, aluminum and consumer goods, are set to take effect Sept. 8.
Smith's office responded by pointing to comments she made on her radio show over the weekend, saying the referendum will go ahead because hundreds of thousands of Albertans signed petitions demanding the question be put to a vote. Smith has said she personally intends to vote to remain in Canada.
Nenshi drew a comparison to Quebec, where Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon recently said his party would delay a promised secession referendum until after Donald Trump's presidency ends, citing the risks of holding such a vote during unpredictable U.S. politics. Nenshi argued that if Quebec separatists see the danger in proceeding now, Smith should as well, accusing her of holding the vote to appease hardline separatists within the United Conservative Party rather than address a genuine concern among Albertans.
Ahead of the referendum, advocacy campaigns have formed on both sides. Former NDP premier Rachel Notley and former UCP premier Jason Kenney are co-chairing a Canadian Chamber of Commerce campaign urging Albertans to vote to stay in Canada.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.