Alberta Aide Urges Separation Referendum

It's March 27.

You're listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news.

A top-aid to Alberta Premier Daniel Smith is urging residents to sign a petition calling

for a referendum on separating from Canada.

Jason Steffen, the United Conservative Party lawmaker, serving as parliamentary secretary

for constitutional affairs, made the push in a recent opinion.

Peace.

He draws a clear line between supporting the petition, which would trigger a vote, and

actually voting to leave the country.

Smith and several cabinet ministers have stressed their commitment to a strong Alberta, staying

within a United Canada.

At the same time, they champion direct democracy, letting people have their say on big issues.

Steffen points out that despite Smith's recent progress with Ottawa, including a deal with

Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals to ease environmental, rules and advance a West Coast

pipeline, the federal government's tough stance on Alberta persists.

These calls reflect deep frustrations over resource policies and federal oversight, keeping

separation talk alive in the province.