Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has selected Alberta MP Dane Lloyd to be the party’s point person for the upcoming referendum in Alberta, as the province gears up to vote on a separation question this fall.
Poilievre made his announcement Sunday morning, sharing a letter addressed to Lloyd that outlines the new role.
Lloyd has represented his Parkland riding since 2017 and is a lifelong resident of Alberta, according to his website. Before entering politics, he served as a reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces, an experience Poilievre mentioned will provide Lloyd with the “fortitude” needed for this position.
In his letter, Poilievre, who advocates for Alberta staying within Canada, highlights the “legitimate concerns and grievances” that Albertans have regarding their current situation.
“So our task is not to scold Albertans. It is to hear them,” Poilievre said.
“This is not a zero-sum fight. What is good for Alberta is good for Canada. More pipelines, more homes, lower taxes, safer streets, stronger borders and more freedom will help workers and families in every province.”
The has reached out for an interview with Lloyd. In a social media post, Lloyd expressed that he is “honoured to play a role in this important discussion,” adding that he strongly believes in a united Canada.
Last month, Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Morgan Breitkreutz as the government’s senior adviser on Alberta. Breitkreutz will coordinate Ottawa’s response to the referendum while also managing major projects like the proposed pipeline to the West Coast.
Separatist Calls Appointment ‘Par for the Course’
Mitch Sylvestre, who led the petition drive for a separation referendum, says he’s not surprised by the Conservatives pushing for people to stay in Canada.
“It’s par for the course. Everybody’s lining up against this, and why wouldn’t they? Why wouldn’t they line up [to keep] the economic engine of Canada in Canada?” said Sylvestre.
Mitch Sylvestre holds a box of signatures before submitting his petition for a separation referendum to Elections Alberta in Edmonton on May 4. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press)
Sylvestre noted that part of Conservative motivation comes from their significant representation in Alberta-33 out of 37 seats.
“They just don’t represent Alberta’s views; they don’t represent Alberta at all-in any way shape or form. And I understand they’re terrified to lose their jobs because without Alberta could you imagine what kind of trouble that would put the Conservative Party of Canada in?” he said.
Lloyd’s appointment received praise from Evan Menzies, a former United Conservative Party staffer now at Crestview Strategies consultancy. Menzies has known Lloyd since their time together at Trinity Western University.
Menzies describes him as a “fantastic person, deeply principled,” someone who genuinely cares about serving his community.
“He understands Albertans and why they’re frustrated; he’ll be able to connect with many frustrated federalists here who feel their best way of showing patriotism is getting Ottawa’s attention,” said Menzies.
However, one political analyst warns that Poilievre focusing on common frustrations regarding Ottawa might backfire.“It echoes the Canada-is-broken message that Pierre Poilievre has spoken of,” said Lori Williams, associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University.“And that’s a risky strategy that very much could be used by those already supporting separatism as fuel for voting yes on leaving Canada.”A key question set for October’s referendum will ask Albertans whether they think their province should remain part of Confederation or support starting legal processes toward another binding separation vote.
The other nine questions focus on issues surrounding immigration and constitutional matters.Albertans get their chance to weigh in on October 19.
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