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‘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.
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Winnipeg Free PressWinnipeg Free Press
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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.

·Winnipeg, Canada
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Global News broke the news in Toronto, Canada on Monday, May 25, 2026.
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