‘Totally Awkward’: Eby Says Western Premiers Meeting Undermined by Alberta Separatism
Premier Danielle Smith’s referendum plan has sharpened tensions over Alberta grievances, pipelines and equalization as western leaders gather for a two-day meeting.
- Western premiers gathered Monday in Kananaskis, Alta., about 100 kilometres west of Calgary, for their annual two-day conference to discuss trade, defence and nation-building projects amid an unusual backdrop of separation debate.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced last week that an October referendum will ask Albertans if they want to remain in Canada or start the process for a binding referendum on separation, setting a contentious tone for the gathering.
- British Columbia Premier David Eby called the referendum 'reckless,' stating 'To say that this is the worst time to begin testing the bonds that hold this country together is a significant understatement,' and warned it empowers those seeking to break up the country.
- Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew directly urged Smith to pause the referendum, saying with all provinces building megaprojects now is not the time for such uncertainty, a sentiment shared by all premiers at the meeting.
- Underlying tensions include Alberta's plan to discuss equalization payments—a longtime grievance—while the province moves closer to submitting a West Coast pipeline proposal by July, a project British Columbia opposes, reflecting deeper federal-provincial disputes fueling the debate.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Manitoba premier calls on Alberta to pause its fall separation vote for 'year or two'
KANANASKIS - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is urging Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to pause her fall separation referendum.
‘Totally awkward’: Eby says Western premiers meeting undermined by Alberta separatism
B.C. Premier David Eby accepted a pair of cowboy boots from his Alberta counterpart but the gift didn’t seem to ease tensions Monday, as western premiers gathered in Kananaskis to begin two days of meetings.
Alberta separation referendum, pipeline tensions loom over western premiers' meeting
Premiers from the western provinces and northern territories are gathering Monday and Tuesday in Kananaskis, Alta., as the host province stews over a monumental question of quitting Canada.
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