Canadian Prime Minister Delivers Strong Warning to Separatist Forces

Special Correspondent of This Paper in Canada  Tao Duanfang  ● Wu Ming

On the 25th local time, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his strongest criticism yet regarding a referendum in Alberta Province. He warned that the upcoming vote in October on whether Alberta should secede from Canada might merely be a "dangerous bluff."

Despite mounting opposition and protest waves, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley insisted on proceeding with the secession referendum as originally planned. The referendum is scheduled for October 19, when residents of Alberta will vote on whether the province remains within the Canadian federation. Since this referendum is non-binding, it also includes a question about holding a binding independence referendum.

In 2016, during the UK's Brexit referendum, Trudeau became the first foreign-born governor in the history of the Bank of England. On the 25th, speaking to the media, Trudeau reflected on witnessing firsthand the UK's Brexit experience, stating: "When it comes to separatist issues, people often say things like 'vote yes, and you gain the freedom of choice' or 'vote yes, and we'll have an advantage in future negotiations.' That’s a very dangerous bluff." Trudeau emphasized that he would actively oppose all separatist activities, arguing that nations are "stronger when united."

A poll released by Angus Reid Institute on the 25th showed that 35% of Alberta voters support leaving Canada, while 60% oppose secession; 56% of Alberta residents believe Premier Notley has handled the issue poorly, and 58% think her sole purpose in launching the referendum is to appease separatists within her United Conservative Party.

Notley has faced widespread criticism over her decision to hold the referendum. Almost all Indigenous tribes in the province have firmly opposed it, arguing that their treaties were signed with the Canadian federal government or its British colonial predecessors—Alberta did not even exist at the time and thus had no authority to unilaterally transfer rights. A court in Alberta previously halted the separatists’ referendum process, citing that the provincial government had failed to consult Indigenous communities.

According to a report by CBC on the 25th, Edmonton Mayor Andrew Neilson criticized the referendum as "a complete waste of time." He stated that as a provincial government, there are far more pressing issues to address, and that the referendum directly affects economic development and investment.

After facing criticism, Notley told Canadian media on the 26th that she agrees with the Prime Minister’s view that Alberta should remain part of Canada and that she will actively campaign for this position before the referendum. However, she added that this is ultimately a decision for Albertans, and that public frustration stems from what she described as the "disastrous policies" implemented by former Prime Minister Trudeau over the past decade. According to reports, Alberta is the center of Canada’s oil industry, and regulations—especially those set by the Trudeau government—are seen as having stifled the sector’s growth, which is one reason for discontent among some residents.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866320290953228/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author