Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joins Stephen LeDrew to discuss one of the biggest political questions hanging over the province: could Alberta actually separate from Canada?
Smith says roughly 30% of Albertans currently support leaving Canada — a number she says is far too high for comfort. She argues that separatist sentiment grew after another Liberal federal victory and reflects years of frustration with Ottawa.
But Smith also says relations with the federal government have begun to change.
She points to a new agreement with Ottawa, progress on a proposed West Coast oil pipeline and greater provincial control over project approvals as signs that the federal government is finally responding to Alberta’s concerns.
LeDrew asks whether the threat of separation itself has strengthened Smith’s negotiating hand.
The conversation also turns to pipeline routes, British Columbia, Alberta’s past experience with Keystone XL and why accessing international markets is critical to reducing Alberta’s dependence on the United States.
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