Alberta’s main opposition figure believes that the current period is not suitable for organizing a referendum on separating from Canada as the nation is embroiled in a significant trade dispute with its neighboring country to the south. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has urged Premier Danielle Smith to either cancel or delay the referendum. Nenshi emphasized the need to halt the referendum, stating that the Premier’s actions to appeal to separatists indicate weakness and highlight a lack of unity within Canada.

Scheduled for October 19, Albertans will participate in a provincial referendum that includes a question on whether the government should initiate the legal procedures for a future binding vote on Alberta’s separation from Canada. Nenshi stressed the importance of promoting unity within Canada, especially as the trade conflict with the United States resumes. The United States has imposed import tariffs on Canadian goods worth $28 billion, prompting Canada to announce retaliatory tariffs set to come into effect on September 8, targeting various items such as American steel, aluminum products, video game consoles, and fishing rods.

In response to Nenshi’s remarks, Premier Smith’s office referred to her statements on a recent radio program, where she reiterated that the referendum will proceed due to the significant number of citizens who signed petitions demanding a resolution. Smith stated that the vote on October 19 will address the citizens’ desire expressed through the petitions. Despite this, Smith disclosed that she personally intends to vote in favor of remaining in Canada.

Notably, Nenshi’s criticism aligns with comments made by Parti Quebecois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon last week. St-Pierre Plamondon asserted that if his separatist party assumes power in the upcoming Quebec general election in October, they would delay a promised referendum on secession until the conclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump’s term. St-Pierre Plamondon expressed concerns about the potential disruptions caused by the unpredictable nature of the Trump administration on Quebec’s referendum process and discussions about the province’s future.

The Alberta NDP has accused Premier Smith of orchestrating the separatist vote not to address the fundamental concerns of Albertans but rather to appease staunch separatists within her United Conservative Party. Nenshi highlighted the disparity between the enduring separatist sentiments in Quebec and the opportunistic separatism displayed by Danielle Smith in Alberta. The upcoming referendum in Alberta has prompted various advocacy campaigns from both sides, including an initiative led by former political adversaries, former NDP Premier Rachel Notley, and former UCP Premier Jason Kenney. Both leaders have set aside their past differences to co-chair a campaign under the Canadian Chamber of Commerce advocating for Alberta to remain part of Canada.