CALGARY – An emotional Premier Danielle Smith fought back tears Saturday as she shared a long list of historical grievances Albertans have faced from the federal government.
Smith was the first speaker at a virtual assembly focused on Alberta’s future within Canada, co-hosted by former Opposition leader and conservative figure Preston Manning along with former B. C. premier Gordon Campbell.
The Alberta premier has scheduled a referendum for Oct. 19 that will ask whether Alberta should continue being part of Canada or if it’s time to initiate a second, binding referendum on starting the process for separation.
She was addressing why a sovereign Alberta should remain in a united Canada moving forward.
“A lot of Albertans are angry and some are more than angry. They’re hurt. I hear it at town halls, in coffee shops, at hockey rinks and in my email inbox,” Smith said before becoming emotional and taking deep breaths while discussing the effects on Albertans.
“From the farmer who felt pressured.. sorry all,” she sighed. “By people who never made a living off the land. For the young family who did everything right and still can’t see how they can afford a home.”
Smith also mentioned parents dealing with rising grocery bills and opening utility bills in January feeling “a knot in their stomach.”
‘Public sentiment’: Manning
Manning acknowledged Smith’s heartfelt reaction to these issues.
“You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about showing your emotions at the front end. I’m reminded that Abraham Lincoln did not use the term public opinion. He said he was interested in public sentiment.”
Preston Manning, former leader of the Reform party speaks at a conference on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld Preston Manning, former leader of the Reform party speaks at a conference on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Smith announced the referendum earlier this year. She indicated that many Albertans now see separation as a valid response to federal interference in provincial matters and believe it’s time to resolve this issue with an official vote.
Inflating and legitimizing grievances: NDP
Critics including the Opposition NDP argue that Smith is exaggerating and legitimizing concerns from a small group of dissatisfied Albertans to appease hardline separatists within her United Conservative party.
Smith stated Saturday that western dissatisfaction with Ottawa isn’t new; for over ten years especially, it feels like Ottawa has been trying to undermine the province’s economy.
“When proud, hardworking people feel their contributions are overlooked and their livelihoods are treated as something to be phased out, some start asking an uncomfortable question. Does this country actually want us?”
Smith pointed out that even though polls suggest staying within Canada will win out, those favoring separation is “too high for comfort.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, participates in a signing ceremony with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Calgary, Alta., Friday, May 15, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff Mc Intosh Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, participates in a signing ceremony with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in Calgary, Alta., Friday, May 15, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff Mc Intosh
However, she believes there is hope for improving Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa concerning disputes over Bill C69-also known as the no new pipelines act-and caps on oil-and-gas production along with clean-energy electricity regulations.
“I support Alberta remaining in Canada.. I also think Albertans deserve to have their voices heard. The fight to make Canada work for Alberta is making progress. When Alberta stood up and refused to back down, people started paying attention,” she stated.
“It happened because Albertans raised their voices loudly and stayed persistent. Your anger wasn’t wasted,” she said.
Smith noted that new Prime Minister Mark Carney has worked positively with Alberta by developing an energy agreement between Alberta and Ottawa while aiming toward establishing another West Coast pipeline.
”Not long ago oilsands were seen as national targets; now they’re increasingly viewed as national treasures,” Smith remarked.”Why walk away from negotiations when we’re finally seeing success? And for those who’ve always wanted to stay-staying shouldn’t mean settling down. A future federal government could easily undo all this progress we’ve achieved just like that.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first September19 ,2026 P>Bill Graveland , The Canadian Press P>
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