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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Kenney and Notley Join Forces for Provincial Referendum
In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Alberta referendum, former premiers Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney have come together to urge voters to reject the idea of Alberta separating from Canada. Speaking at a forum hosted by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, the two ex-political rivals emphasized the risks and potential negative consequences of pursuing Alberta independence.
Background: The Alberta Referendum and Key Participants
Rachel Notley, Alberta's NDP premier from 2015 to 2019, and Jason Kenney, United Conservative Party (UCP) premier until 2022, have launched a campaign called Alberta and Canada: Stronger Together. At the forum, they shared the stage with Chamber president Doug Griffiths to discuss the outcome of the referendum, scheduled for October 19. The referendum features 10 questions, with one focused on whether Alberta should remain a part of Canada or move toward a binding vote on independence.
Concerns Over Economic Impact of Alberta Separation
Kenney addressed the possibility of a binding referendum on Alberta independence, warning of severe repercussions for the province's economy and long-term prosperity. "The next year, moving towards an actual vote on separation when the first one is won, the economic consequences would be catastrophic," Kenney said. Chamber president Doug Griffiths added, "Stability is the most important thing that businesses look for. This conversation is destabilizing."
Divisions Within Political Ranks and Public Opinion
Despite the UCP's official stance supporting Alberta's place in Canada, as reiterated by Premier Danielle Smith, polling indicates internal divisions. Recent data suggests that more than half of UCP voters surveyed would support a binding referendum on independence. Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan, a member of the UCP caucus, has publicly confirmed voting in favor of such a measure.
Kenney stated that the UCP must clarify its commitment to confederation, saying, "Either that party stands for its founding declaration on the commitment to Canada upon which it has received a majority mandate twice, and if it does, these [separatist] people have to be shown the door and told they're welcome to participate in democracy, but if their primary goal is separation, then they have to do it in a separatist party." Notley expressed agreement, drawing laughter from attendees.
Public Sentiment and the Separatist Minority
Polling referenced at the forum shows that support for Alberta separation remains in the minority, with a September poll commissioned by CBC News finding just 23 percent in favor of beginning the legal process toward independence, while 72 percent would vote to remain in Canada. Kenney described most supports as "frustrated federalists," estimating that only about five percent are "hardcore activists" for Alberta independence.
Navigating the Ballot: Immigration and Constitutional Questions
In addition to the main question of Alberta's place in Canada, the ballot contains nine other questions, some pertaining to immigration and the rights of non-permanent residents. Kenney acknowledged the complexity of these items, telling voters they are not obligated to answer them if they feel unsure. Notley encouraged a 'no' vote on these additional questions, highlighting their importance and wider implications for Alberta politics.
Premiers Highlight the Importance of Unity
Both former premiers emphasized their commitment to putting Alberta's and Canada's broader interests above partisan politics. Notley noted, "The sort of theatre, I guess, of Jason and I coming together [is] to amplify what is a very, very serious issue that could do very serious economic damage to our province as well as to our country if we carry on with this — that's what we're trying to achieve." Kenney added, "[It shows] that our country is bigger than any normal political concerns we have — not to diminish those."
Source: cbc.ca.
