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Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney to Participate in Separation Debates
Two May debates will present arguments on Alberta separatism as a petition seeks nearly 178,000 signatures to trigger a referendum, organizers say.
Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney will debate lawyer Keith Wilson twice in May regarding Alberta's potential separation from Canada, with the first event occurring May 1 in Edmonton at a Civitas Canada conference.
Alberta's separatist sentiment has surged over the past year, driving a petition campaign that must collect nearly 178,000 signatures by May 2 to trigger a potential fall referendum. Kenney has previously called the effort "bananas."
Wilson, a lawyer who represented Freedom Convoy organizers, argues voters must hear both sides before casting ballots. Postmedia columnist Lorne Gunter will moderate the first session.
Although Premier Danielle Smith faces criticism for enabling separatist ballot questions, she maintains support for Alberta within Confederation and refuses to demonize the movement, even while tabling two pieces of legislation to assist separatists.
Amid economic and political tensions between Alberta and Ottawa, these debates address the province's future as both sides recognize the importance of discussing a decision that could fundamentally reshape the province's relationship with the country.