Premier Smith backs staying in Canada amid October vote

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told 2,000 UCP supporters Friday she intends to keep the province in Canada, drawing applause at the party's Calgary Leader's Dinner. The statement comes as Alberta prepares for an October 19 referendum that will ask voters whether to stay in Confederation or hold another vote on independence.

Smith framed the referendum as a chance to send Ottawa a message about fairness and respect for Alberta's interests. "Together, those questions send a very strong message that Albertans expect fairness and respect and a stronger voice within Canada," she said, referring to nine other ballot questions alongside the separation question.

Polling from Leger shows 73% of Albertans want the province to remain in Canada, while only 15% back independence. Among UCP supporters, however, the picture is more complicated: 29% still support separation, and another 10% support joining the United States.

Smith praised Prime Minister Mark Carney's willingness to work with Alberta on energy policy, saying federal Liberals adopted most of the province's positions. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen dodged a direct answer when asked how he'd vote, instead redirecting focus to the federal government's responsibility to keep the country together. Alberta Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir said the UCP is united behind remaining in Canada.

The referendum signals ongoing tension within provincial politics over national unity, even as broader public opinion leans decisively toward staying.