Poilievre urges Albertans to reject separation ahead of October referendum

At a hotel venue in Edmonton, federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre warned that separating from Canada would not solve Alberta’s economic challenges, which he blames on the Liberal government’s policies. He told supporters that high gas prices, grocery costs and limits on oil-and-gas development are hurting workers and businesses, and that the solution is a stronger, more united Canada. The remarks come less than three weeks before Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party will hold a ten-question referendum, with the final question asking voters to choose between staying in Canada or holding a second, binding secession vote.

Smith has publicly pledged to vote for staying, though critics say the referendum caters to separatist hard-liners. Poilievre also attended a Conservatives for Canada fundraiser, where MP Dane Lloyd was highlighted as leading one outlet campaign in Alberta.