Premier Smith rejects calls to cancel October referendum despite escalating U.S. trade war

Alberta will hold its referendum on separation as scheduled on October 19, Premier Danielle Smith said August 27, rejecting calls from prominent federalists to postpone or cancel the vote during an escalating U.S.-Canada trade war.

"This is an important time for us to be looking at the benefits that come from being a part of Canada," Smith said at a news conference. "That's what I've been advocating. It's why I'm voting to remain. I feel like we have a real momentum in our country now, working together."

Thomas Lukaszuk, founder of Forever Canadian and a leading voice in the separation debate, and Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi both called for the referendum to be cancelled or deferred. Lukaszuk argued the province should "set aside its internal debate over separation" and unite as "Team Canada" to confront what he called a growing dispute with the U.S. Nenshi called for the referendum's cancellation in favour of a focus on responding to tariffs, adding that "every other premier is on board with Team Canada except Danielle Smith."

Smith said she would prefer "de-escalating and doubling down on diplomacy" rather than imposing new tariffs on U.S. goods. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas, who has been outspoken in opposing Alberta separation, emphasized the importance of national unity and said he plans to campaign for Alberta to remain in Canada in the final weeks before the vote.

Albertans will vote on 10 referendum questions this fall, including one asking whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the process of holding a future binding referendum on secession. A new province-wide poll authorized by Vote to Stay showed a strong majority of Albertans in every area of the province support Alberta staying in Canada.