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Canada: Alberta Eases Path to Referendum After Liberal Victory
Above: Danielle Smith, Alberta's premier, during a news conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. Image copyright: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Spin
Conservative narrative
The federal Liberals have spent a decade restricting Alberta’s resource development, sidelining its economy, and undermining its autonomy. In response, Bill 54 empowers Albertans with more accessible referendums, restoring their ability to challenge damaging federal policies. By lowering barriers to democratic action, Premier Danielle Smith ensures citizens can hold Ottawa accountable and consider new futures if national leadership continues down a hostile path.
Danielle Smith’s government is cynically exploiting post-election frustration to push Bill 54, flirting dangerously with separatism under the guise of democratic reform. The timing — just one day after the federal vote — clearly aims to inflame tensions, not build constructive ties with Ottawa. Yet separatism lacks real support; most Albertans reject it. Rather than addressing real challenges or working with the new government, Smith is fueling division for partisan gain.
Ottawa has failed Alberta. Under a decade of Liberal rule — now supercharged under Carney — Alberta's energy and prosperity have been strangled. If the East chooses decline, so be it. But the West shouldn't be forced to follow. With the resources, strength, and will to succeed on its own, it's time for the West to take control of its future, free from Eastern Canada's long domination. Albertans must seize the opportunity presented by Premier Smith’s bill without delay.