Smith declares separation a 'dead issue' after voters reject it 3-to-1
Premier Danielle Smith addressed Albertans in a provincewide TV address following Monday's referendum, laying out how her government will proceed on disputes with Ottawa.
Why it matters
The referendum result and Smith's response set the direction for how Alberta will handle future disagreements with the federal government.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was set to take questions Wednesday for the first time since Albertans voted in a referendum this week on the province's place in Confederation. About three-quarters of voters chose to stay in Canada rather than pursue a second, binding vote on separation.
Smith said she personally voted to remain in Canada, but argued she had little choice but to call the referendum in order to settle what she described as a growing and divisive debate over Alberta's role within the federation.
In a provincewide television address delivered the night before, Smith said she now considers separation a dead issue in Alberta and pledged there would be no further referendums on the question as long as she remains premier.
She added that separation will not be used as leverage in future disputes with the federal government, saying Alberta will instead pursue its interests through political channels or the courts.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.