Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sounded unsure of whether or not the province could legally hold a second referendum on separation should Option 2 win a majority of votes on Oct. 19.
Speaking to the media from Grande Prairie Wednesday afternoon, the premier seemed to contradict statements she’d made at a town hall meeting in Lethbridge on Aug.18, where she spoke about holding a referendum in the spring of 2027 in the event of a vote to pursue separatism on Oct. 19.
Wednesday, Smith said it’s a little more complicated than that.
“I was talking (at town halls) about how quickly we could potentially do it (a referendum) -- but keep in mind we also have (provincial) legislation that says that you can’t hold a referendum within a year of a general election,” she said.
“So I’d have to see legally how quickly we could move in practical fact.”
The next Alberta provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 18, 2027.
The Oct. 19 referendum question asks a question and provides two options:
“Should Alberta remain a province of Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?
“Option 1: Alberta should remain a province of Canada.
“Option 2: The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada.”
‘Giving Canadians and Albertans hope’
Rather than elaborating how the government might legally find a way to hold a second binding referendum on separation, Smith suggested that she will work to make the case that Alberta should stay.
“What I’m working towards is giving Canadians and Albertans hope again that the country can work as it was always intended,” Smith said.
“And I think that we can make the case stronger today than we were able to 18 months ago. I’m pleased that the prime minister is finding ways to acknowledge the grievances that Albertans have because they were legitimate grievances and to work with me on resolving them,” she added.
“I don’t think you solve problems by ignoring them or papering them over,” she said. “You talk them through and you try to find some common ground.
“I’ve demonstrated that in my negotiations and discussions with the prime minister, as well as with other premiers that we can find areas to work together and I hope that gives Albertans confidence that the country can work.”
“That’s what I’m working towards convincing people on Oct. 19.”
CTV News has reached out to the premier’s office, Elections Alberta and the the Alberta NDP for comment and clarification.
