‘Not as long as I’m premier’: Danielle Smith rules out 2nd separation referendum if Albertans vote to remain
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has stated she will not hold a second referendum on separation if the upcoming vote results in a decision to remain in Canada. This stance contrasts with some separatist leaders who intend to continue their campaign regardless of the outcome.
Why it matters
The statement clarifies the political stakes of the upcoming Alberta referendum and addresses concerns regarding regional stability and national unity in Canada.
“Not as long as I’m premier,” Smith told CBC News’ chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault during a one-on-one interview in Calgary.
The premier’s line in the sand comes a little more than a week before Albertans will vote on 10 questions, including whether Alberta should stay in Canada, or whether it should begin the process to hold a second, binding referendum on separating from the country.
And it conflicts with the positioning of Alberta separatist leaders, many of whom say that they won’t give up the fight even if the vote goes against them.
'Never giving up': Alberta separatist leaders say referendum vote won't end their fight
There will also be five questions tied to immigration and four tied to Canada’s Constitution.
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