Zürcher Nachrichten - Alberta NDP Urges Smith to Postpone Separation Vote Amid Trade War

Alberta’s opposition leader is calling on Premier Danielle Smith to cancel or postpone a provincial referendum on separation from Canada, arguing that the vote should not proceed while the country engages in a significant trade dispute with the United States.

NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi stated Tuesday in Calgary that the premier must either call off the referendum or delay it. He argued that proceeding with the vote demonstrates weakness and fails to project a united front for Canada.

"It’s time to call off the referendum," Nenshi told reporters. "The premier’s pandering to separatists just shows weakness. It shows that Canada is not united."

Albertans are scheduled to vote on Oct. 19 in a non-binding referendum asking whether the government should initiate the legal process for a future binding vote on separation from Canada.

Nenshi emphasized that Canada needs to demonstrate unity as it resumes trade tensions with its southern neighbor. The United States has imposed import fees on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. In response, Canada announced counter-tariffs set to take effect on Sept. 8, targeting a range of American products including steel, aluminum, video game consoles, and fishing rods.

When asked for a response to Nenshi’s comments, Smith’s office referred to remarks the premier made on her radio talk show over the weekend. Smith stated that the referendum will proceed because hundreds of thousands of citizens have signed petitions demanding a resolution to the issue.

"Citizens signed one of two petitions saying they wanted to have this question now, and that’s what the vote is going to be on Oct. 19," Smith said Saturday. "I think we need to make sure that we are clear about what Albertans want us to do. That’s part of the reason why we’re having the vote."

Smith has previously stated she will personally vote to remain in Canada.

Nenshi’s criticism aligns with comments made last week by Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. St-Pierre Plamondon indicated that if his separatist party wins the Quebec general election in October, it would postpone a promised secession referendum until after U.S. President Donald Trump’s presidency concludes.

He argued that the unpredictable nature of the current Trump administration could negatively impact Quebec’s referendum process and discussions regarding the province’s future. Trump is currently midway through his four-year term.

The Alberta NDP has accused Smith of organizing the separatist vote not to address a genuine public concern, but to placate hardline separatists within her United Conservative Party (UCP). Nenshi contrasted this with the long-standing separatist movement in Quebec, questioning why Smith, whom he described as a "separatist of convenience," does not recognize the same dangers identified by Quebec separatists.

The campaign ahead of the referendum has drawn involvement from former political rivals. Former NDP Premier Rachel Notley and ex-UCP Premier Jason Kenney have announced they are co-chairing a Canadian Chamber of Commerce campaign encouraging Alberta to remain in Canada. Both leaders, despite their past differences, agree on the value of Alberta staying within Confederation.

O.Hofer--NZN