Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that if enough signatures are collected by citizens, she will hold a referendum next year on whether Alberta should separate from Canada.
Photo source: X@yegwave
In a live speech, Smith said she hopes to see an Alberta with sovereignty within the unified Canadian framework, but those voices dissatisfied with the federal system are not extreme fringe groups and must be taken seriously.
This speech was made a week after Smith's United Conservative Party government in Alberta proposed a new bill. If passed, this bill will significantly lower the threshold for triggering provincial referendums.
The current minimum standard is to collect signatures equivalent to 10% of voters from the last election within four months, which is 177,000 names.
Smith said that Alberta has no choice but to take action against a series of hostile policies and laws from the federal Liberal Party over the past ten years. She pointed out that these policies have not only unfairly plundered the province's wealth but also destroyed the oil and gas industry, which supports its economic development.
She also mentioned that during this process, negotiations with the federal government will be conducted to end some policies, and a series of town hall meetings will be held to listen to the thoughts and grievances of Albertans, some of which may also be included in the referendum questions.
If there is a referendum, would you support Alberta's independence?
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501198054910657058/
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