UCP MLA says he’s voted in favour of Alberta holding binding referendum on independence
Alberta MLA Jason Stephan has publicly confirmed his support for a binding referendum on provincial independence from Canada. Stephan argues that such a move is necessary to compel the federal government in Ottawa to address regional grievances.
Why it matters
Reflects ongoing political tensions regarding federalism and regional autonomy within the Canadian political landscape.
Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan confirmed how he voted in this fall’s referendum to CBC News at a town hall he hosted Tuesday night at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in Red Deer.
“My reason for preferring Option 2 [on the question about separation], which I have had that position for a long time, is I would love nothing more than for Canada to fix itself,” he told CBC News. “Currently we do not see that happening.
“I've always supported having a referendum on independence because I want Ottawa to be compelled to fix the things that are broken, and they will not change things unless they are compelled to do so.
“We had a prime minister that more than doubled the national debt. I want to see respect, discipline. I want to see a better government."
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