Former federal Liberal leader and cabinet minister Stéphane Dion has criticized the emerging separatist movement in Alberta and urged Premier Danielle Smith to clarify her stance and outline the next steps following a potential independence referendum.
In an interview on Rosemary Barton Live, Dion expressed his disapproval of what he called “separatist blackmail.” Serving as intergovernmental affairs minister during Jean Chrétien’s tenure, Dion introduced the Clarity Act after the 1995 Quebec referendum.
Dion emphasized the need for Smith to be transparent about Alberta’s position within Canada. Despite Smith’s assertion that she supports “a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada,” her government’s actions have facilitated the path for Alberta separatists to push for a constitutional referendum. This includes reducing the signature threshold for petitioners to trigger a referendum from approximately 600,000 to around 180,000, a move applauded by separatist organizers.
The former Liberal minister criticized this decision as “irresponsible” and warned against actions that could divide the country. He called on Smith to clarify the potential outcomes of a referendum, especially regarding who would lead negotiations for Alberta if separation were pursued.
Dion also drew parallels with separatism in Quebec, lamenting the diversion of efforts towards fragmentation instead of advancing the provinces and national unity. He cautioned against Alberta following a similar path.
Regarding recent meetings between U.S. officials and Alberta separatists, Dion condemned the potential implications of such engagements. He highlighted the contrast between U.S. federal control over resources and Canada’s provincial responsibilities in managing energy and natural resources.
Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper echoed the call for unity in the face of external threats and internal divisions related to Alberta separatism. Harper emphasized the importance of safeguarding Canada’s independence and unity, urging collaboration across party lines to preserve the nation’s integrity.
Harper’s remarks come after a period of limited public visibility, during which he focused on business ventures post-parliamentary career. Observers suggest Harper could play a unifying role in Alberta, potentially reentering public service for the country’s greater good.