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'Yes' or 'no' question 'isn't possible,' Alberta premier says, defending referendum question
Smith said a simple yes-or-no question would likely be struck down, as rival petitions gathered more than 700,000 signatures.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith defended her decision Friday to include a referendum question on whether Alberta should begin the process of separating from Canada, announced in a televised address Thursday evening.
- Citing rival petitions totalling over 700,000 signatures, Smith justified the vote by combining language from the 'Forever Canadian' petition with about 400,000 supporters and the 'Stay Free Alberta' group's 300,000 signatures.
- The tenth question asks whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada or if the government should commence the legal process under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on separation.
- Alberta NDP Leader Nenshi accused Smith of 'gaslighting' voters and claimed her loyalty lies with separatists, while cabinet ministers resigned amid speculation the move could trigger a revolt within the United Conservative Party.
- Pollsters warned of a 'Brexit scenario' if separatist sentiment reaches 50 per cent; with independence support polling between 25 and 30 per cent and turnout historically low at 59.5 per cent, the referendum's outcome remains uncertain.
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Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Is Canada about to break apart? Referendum question on Albertan independence revealed
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s decision to call a referendum that could lead to the energy-rich province separating from Canada has angered both sides of the debate.
·Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution39% Left, 38% Center
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Left, 38% of the sources are Center
39% Left
L 39%
C 38%
R 23%
Factuality
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