EDMONTON 鈥� Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she's willing to risk a separation referendum to avert the growth of a political rival.
Smith has said she doesn't support separating her province from Canada, but Albertans have genuine grievances with the federal government, and she wants concessions from Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Speaking to CTV 劲爆大瓜 Channel, Smith was asked if it wasn't easier to quell separatism by taking it off the table.
Smith says, 鈥渋f there isn鈥檛 an outlet, it creates a new party.鈥�
Smith cites the high popularity of the sovereigntist Parti Qu茅b茅cois in Quebec, saying she doesn't want to see that happen in her home province.
Her United Conservative Party is the amalgamation of two right-wing parties that joined in 2017 to win power from then-New Democrat premier Rachel Notley in 2019.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2025.
The Canadian Press
