Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has called on newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney to negotiate what she terms an “Alberta accord” that would guarantee energy corridors to coastal ports and end federal policies she claims restrict the province’s economic development.
Smith announced her government will appoint a special negotiating team to address these issues with Ottawa. She also revealed plans to include a potential separation referendum on the 2026 provincial ballot if a citizen-led petition gathers sufficient signatures.
“We hope this will result in a binding agreement that Albertans can have confidence in. Call it an ‘Alberta accord,'” Smith stated in her address on Monday, calling for guaranteed access to tidewater for energy exports and the elimination of federal net-zero policies.
The move underscores growing tensions following last week’s federal election, in which Carney’s Liberals won power despite securing only two of Alberta’s 37 parliamentary seats. The national Conservative Party, which Smith endorsed, dominated Alberta with approximately 65% of the popular vote.
Alberta’s demands include repeal of legislation regulating industrial carbon emissions and ending federal clean electricity regulations. Smith claims these policies have cost “hundreds of billions in investments each year” and damaged Alberta’s economic prospects.
The Premier’s address referenced a “lost hope” among many Albertans regarding the province’s future within Canada. While Smith clarified she personally does not support separation, she emphasized her government would respect democratic processes if citizens gather enough signatures to trigger a referendum question.
Alberta has a history of federal-provincial conflict, particularly regarding energy development. The tensions intensified under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration, which implemented carbon pricing and emissions caps opposed by Alberta’s conservative government.
Smith and Carney held their first post-election meeting on Friday, which Smith described as “a positive first step.” Carney responded that he looked forward to “working together to break down interprovincial trade barriers and build one strong Canadian economy.”
Also read: ‘I Don’t Shut Up’: Tempers Flare Between Smith and Carney
Any separation referendum would face substantial hurdles. Canada’s Clarity Act, enacted after Quebec’s unsuccessful separation votes in 1980 and 1995, requires that the House of Commons determine if a referendum question demonstrates “a clear expression of will by a clear majority” before secession negotiations can proceed.
A recent Nanos poll found most Albertans believe staying in Canada benefits the provincial economy, with only 1 in 10 respondents indicating Alberta would be better off joining the United States.
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