Conservative veteran Preston Manning expressed surprise at the perception of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith as anti-Canada despite her strong backing of Confederation. Manning cited polls outside Alberta indicating that many view Smith as a separatist, with some Ontario polls suggesting 60% of voters labeled her as such. Manning questioned how this perception arose despite Smith’s legislative efforts and public addresses emphasizing Alberta’s commitment to Canada.
At an upcoming virtual forum titled “Alberta and the West,” Smith is slated to discuss Alberta’s growth as a robust and sovereign province within Canada. Manning highlighted the importance of providing comprehensive information on the various options and the implications of a sovereign province within the federation.
Smith has scheduled a referendum for October 19 to determine whether Alberta should remain part of Canada or proceed with a second referendum to initiate the separation process. Manning, a former federal Opposition leader and founder of the Reform Party, along with former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell, is co-hosting the forum backed by the Manning Foundation for Democratic Education. The event aims to present perspectives both for and against secession to inform Alberta voters ahead of the referendum.
The organizers, including Manning, maintain impartiality in public statements regarding the future of Alberta, opting to let the public form their own opinions. Manning reiterated his democratic values, emphasizing the importance of public choice over personal affiliations. The referendum will include ten questions for Albertans to vote on, covering topics such as immigration and the Constitution.
Critics, including the Opposition NDP, accuse Smith of amplifying the concerns of a minority of discontented Albertans to appease hardline separatists within her United Conservative Party. Manning, known for co-founding the Reform Party with the motto “the West wants in,” acknowledged lingering dissatisfaction among some Albertans due to past neglect from the federal government. Manning emphasized that if efforts to integrate the West were unsuccessful, the push for separation would gain attention.
Manning clarified that while he did not advocate for separation during his tenure, he understands the sentiments of those who feel marginalized. The virtual forum, set to address key issues surrounding Alberta’s future, aims to provide a platform for informed discussions on the referendum.
