Kenney and Notley team up against Alberta separation in chamber-backed campaign

Two Alberta premiers who once clashed over opposing visions for the province are joining forces to oppose separatism ahead of a fall referendum vote.

Former United Conservative premier Jason Kenney and his NDP predecessor Rachel Notley will co-chair a Canadian Chamber of Commerce campaign urging Albertans to choose to remain in Canada. The announcement comes as the country faces escalating trade war pressure from the United States.

"Both Premier Kenney and Premier Notley understand what's at stake, and we're honoured they've agreed to join businesses in this campaign," said Candace Laing, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. "Prolonged uncertainty around constitutional or political separation brings real risks for investor confidence, economic growth and Canada's competitiveness, at exactly the wrong time."

Notley said uncertainty over Alberta's place in Canada distracts from the real work needed. "We need to be focused on building this province, growing job opportunities across the board, strengthening our health-care system and vital programs that keep Alberta strong. Any distraction that takes us away from that focus is a missed opportunity for all of us."

Kenney echoed that message: "Alberta and Canada are stronger together — and a more competitive, prosperous Alberta makes for a more competitive, prosperous Canada…we're ready to rally with facts and to make the case for a strong Alberta and a united Canada."

Kenney has been a vocal critic of Alberta separatism and has targeted Conservatives he believes enable the movement. In recent social media posts, he challenged separatists to answer detailed questions about how a landlocked province would obtain coastal pipelines, and criticized Conservative voters for disagreeing with Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to suspend trade talks with the Americans. "Half of Conservative voters are radically out of step with super majorities of the broader public in every region," he stated.

The campaign is being held in advance of the October 19 referendum asking whether Alberta should proceed with a binding referendum on independence. Premier Danielle Smith has said such a binding referendum could be held as early as spring 2027 if voters approve the October question. The chamber said campaign details will be released in coming days and called on interested organizations to join. "Business does not have time or patience for constitutional debates right now," the chamber stated.