In a private gathering attended by numerous members of Edmonton’s business community, former political adversaries Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney presented their united stance on Alberta’s continued membership in Canada. Once opponents in the political arena, the ex-Alberta premiers now collaborate as co-chairs of the “Alberta and Canada: Stronger Together” campaign. Their joint address occurred at a session organized by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
Notley, who held the NDP premiership in Alberta from 2015 to 2019 before the UCP assumed power under Kenney’s leadership, stressed the significance of the Oct. 19 referendum, featuring ten pivotal questions, including the decision on Alberta’s ongoing Canadian affiliation or the pursuit of a formal independence plebiscite.
Kenney expressed grave concerns about the potential repercussions of conducting a binding referendum on independence, particularly emphasizing the adverse economic impacts on Alberta’s businesses and long-term prosperity. Meanwhile, Chamber President Doug Griffiths emphasized the destabilizing effect such discussions could have on the business environment, emphasizing the paramount importance of stability for enterprises.
Recent surveys have indicated that a substantial portion of UCP-affiliated Albertans support the idea of a binding independence referendum. Notably, UCP MLA Jason Stephan confirmed his endorsement of proceeding with a legally mandated referendum on Alberta’s potential departure from Canada.
During the forum, Kenney underscored the need for clarity within the UCP regarding its core values and commitment to Canada. Notley, humorously concurring with Kenney, highlighted the gravity of the referendum issue and the necessity for voters to engage seriously in the decision-making process.
Both leaders emphasized the significance of transcending partisan divides in the face of the referendum, showcasing a patriotic unity that surpasses individual political affiliations. Furthermore, they addressed the minority support for separatism revealed in polling data, with a majority of Albertans reportedly favoring the province’s continued inclusion in Canada.
Kenney identified a shift in the separatist movement, attributing its evolution to frustrations stemming from COVID-19-related measures and vaccine mandates. He pointed out the minority hardcore activists driving the separatist agenda and urged voters to approach the referendum with a comprehensive understanding of its implications.
While Kenney refrained from delving deeply into the other nine referendum questions, Notley expressed hope that Albertans would vote against the queries relating to immigration and constitutional matters. Both leaders urged voters to prioritize Question 10, concerning Alberta’s place within Canada, as a pivotal decision in the referendum process.
