On Thursday night, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith spoke to Albertans after unveiling plans for a new referendum regarding the province’s future in Canada.
This address followed a court ruling that blocked a citizen-led petition for separation, which had collected over 320,000 signatures.
Smith expressed her personal support for Alberta staying in Canada but emphasized that hundreds of thousands of Albertans should have the chance to voice their opinions through a democratic process.
Here’s a transcript of Smith’s speech, lightly edited for grammar and spelling.
Danielle Smith: My fellow Albertans, tonight I want to discuss the ongoing debate about Alberta’s future within Canada.
A judge recently ruled that the citizen initiative petition organized by Stay Free Alberta regarding Alberta’s separation is unconstitutional. The judge believed there wasn’t enough consultation with First Nations bands concerning how this petition might affect their treaty rights.
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This ruling fundamentally misunderstands what it means to consult, as it shouldn’t prevent citizens from expressing their voices through democratic means.
I want to be clear: I support Alberta remaining part of Canada. That’s how I would vote if there were a provincial referendum on separation. It’s also the stance of my government and my caucus.
However, despite my personal belief in remaining within Canada, I’m deeply concerned about an incorrect court decision that’s limiting the democratic rights of many Albertans. These are people who volunteered their time, gathered signatures, and made their case to fellow citizens. They appear to have met all necessary legal requirements under Alberta law for holding a provincial referendum.
The truth is that around 700,000 Albertans have signed petitions – one seeking a referendum on staying in Canada and another on leaving – indicating they want to vote on this matter.
As premier, I won’t let one judge’s legal error silence the voices of so many Albertans. That’s not how we do things here in Alberta.
The future of our province will be decided by Albertans themselves, not by judges.
<p. We will be appealing this decision at Alberta’s Court of Appeal and potentially at the Supreme Court of Canada if needed.
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This appeal process may take many months or even years before it’s resolved by those higher courts.
In the meantime, according to our legal system, this troubling court ruling stands as law in Alberta until it’s successfully challenged. This means it’s unlikely Elections Alberta will hold a binding provincial referendum on separation until this flawed ruling is overturned or clarified.
Yet there’s another way we can gauge public opinion while we await our legal challenge results.
<p. That’s why today I'm announcing that I'll ask our government to include an additional question on the Oct. 19 referendum ballot we've already discussed previously.
The added question will read: ‘Should Alberta remain a province of Canada? Or should the Government of Alberta initiate the legal procedures required under Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum regarding whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?’
This proposed referendum question does not immediately trigger separation but would require our government to begin necessary legal steps toward holding such a binding vote if it passes. Thus, the recent court ruling wouldn’t apply here and we could move forward with this question as planned.
This approach respects both petitions’ 700,000 signers – Forever Canada and Stay Free Alberta – ensuring that Albertans’ wishes are acknowledged.
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Pushing off these discussions only prolongs an emotional issue that really matters; silencing hundreds of thousands who wish to speak out isn’t justifiable in any free society.
We need to hold a vote now so we can understand where Albertans stand on this topic and then move forward.
Clearly , having our first-ever provincial vote regarding our future within Canada is extremely important. So , I believe it ’ s crucial you know my personal view so you understand where I’m coming from.
First , I assure you all that our government will honor whatever direction comes from all questions posed during voting day on Oct. 19.
Our government has already set up the website “Alberta Referendum 2026,” which provides plenty information about immigration policies along with constitutional queries shared earlier; please take some time exploring its contents thoroughly.
As far as separation goes , I’ve consistently stated my UCP caucus position focuses on building strong autonomy for both ourselves alongside unity within greater Canadian context ; nothing has changed since then nor will it now.
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I’ll therefore cast my vote supporting keeping us inside Canada’s borders while working diligently every single day towards restoring & strengthening provincial rights outlined under Canadian Constitution rules.
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The fact remains : this nation was established based precisely upon these principles! Unlike America (which centralizes most power within federal governance), we’ve opted instead for decentralized federation composed entirely unique provinces allowed self-govern across virtually every issue except national defense/foreign affairs matters.
Beneath pressure though , federal agencies sought progress into more centralized systems akin US governance model – thereby attempting dominate various jurisdictions via legislative/judicial/financial avenues.
I firmly refuse Ottawa ‘ s attempts at such action calling upon all other Provincial leaders & MPs undo extensive damage caused centralization policies emanating from there affecting economic stability/national unity profoundly negatively.
I remain fiercely loyal both towards AB + CA yet strongly believe being respectful respective provinces empowers them govern independently = leads stronger prosperous collective nation overall together instead than merely solely relying feds alone.
Kicking back control away needs happen immediately ; economic success/future depend heavily upon doing precisely just mentioned above.
Soon after taking office once elected premier worried restoring stolen rights against anyone else seem almost impossible but nevertheless started journey anyway anyways seeing if something could change.
You bet went full speed ahead making sure amplify messages heard loud & clear engaging proactively nationwide interviews/contacting others strengthening bonds amongst fellow Premiers too pushing legislation forth-like AB Sovereignty Within United CA Act reclaiming autonomy taken away earlier!
A ton advertising campaigns launched against harmful electric net-zero regulations cap including horrific oil/gas production limitations persuading Canadians aware Trudeau anti-Alberta agenda harms us!
A lot joined efforts voicing concerns talking friends/family sharing online ensuring get info shared nationwide!” “” “” “” ”
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