A group advocating for Alberta’s separation is pleased with the recent election of Quebec premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. According to Jeffrey Rath from the Alberta Prosperity Project, St-Pierre Plamondon’s win has the potential to shift the political landscape of Canada, given his expressed support for Alberta’s separatist movement. Rath highlighted the significance of having a Quebec government backing Alberta’s independence for the first time in Canadian history.
After the recent Quebec election, St-Pierre Plamondon and the separatist Parti Québécois are poised to form a minority government. St-Pierre Plamondon has committed to organizing Quebec’s third separation referendum, although it is expected to occur after the departure of U.S. President Donald Trump.
During a visit to Calgary last year, St-Pierre Plamondon indicated that he would acknowledge an independent Alberta if the province voted to secede. Rath, who had discussions with the Parti Québécois leader in Calgary, expressed optimism about St-Pierre Plamondon’s governance abilities based on their interactions.
Corey Morgan, an online commentator and advocate for Alberta’s separatist movement, echoed Rath’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pressure on the federal system for independence movements across Canada. The upcoming referendum in Alberta, scheduled for October 19, will determine whether the province remains part of Canada or proceeds with a second vote on separation.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who supports the province’s continued membership in Canada, congratulated St-Pierre Plamondon and expressed eagerness to collaborate with his government. Despite the notable election outcome in Quebec, neither Smith nor Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the topic of separation directly in their social media messages.
Morgan criticized the lack of acknowledgment of the separatist victory in Quebec by the two leaders, emphasizing the potential policy implications in the coming years. Rath drew parallels between the political landscapes of Alberta and Quebec, suggesting that a similar shift could occur in Alberta should the United Conservative Party face internal divisions over the separation issue. Despite assurances from Smith that the UCP remains committed to federalism, Rath speculated that a significant faction within the party supports Alberta’s independence.
The developments surrounding St-Pierre Plamondon’s election and the implications for Alberta’s separatist movement are anticipated to have a notable impact on the political environment in both provinces.
