Doug Ford urges Albertans to remain in Canada as referendum debate intensifies

CALGARY: Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Albertans to remain part of Canada during a Calgary appearance with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, as the province prepares for a referendum that will ask voters whether to stay in Confederation or begin the process toward a binding vote on separation.

Ford made the remarks on September 28 while appearing alongside Smith at an Enserva event focused on Canada’s energy and economic future. The gathering brought together the premiers of Alberta and Ontario to discuss energy infrastructure, investment and the development of major resource projects.

Asked about the growing separation debate, Ford kept his response brief and emphasized the importance of national unity.

He said Canada needs to remain united and argued that Alberta and the rest of the country should continue working together.

Ford’s comments came as the October 19 referendum approaches. Under the question announced by the Alberta government, voters will be asked whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada or whether the government should begin the legal process required to hold a future binding referendum on separation.

Smith, who has repeatedly said she intends to vote for Alberta to remain in Canada, acknowledged the frustration that has fueled the separatist debate.

She argued that anger toward Ottawa has been building for more than a decade, particularly over federal policies affecting Alberta’s energy sector. Smith has also said the federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has shown greater flexibility toward Alberta on economic and energy issues.

According to Smith, hundreds of thousands of Albertans have signed petitions supporting either remaining in Canada or pursuing separation. She has said that level of public interest was a reason for putting the question before voters.

“I hope it’s resolved on Oct. 19,” Smith said, reiterating that she plans to vote for Alberta to remain in Canada.

The referendum debate has unfolded alongside renewed discussions about Canada’s energy future. At the Calgary event, Smith and Ford discussed the need for additional energy infrastructure and the possibility of developing major pipeline projects to expand access to markets.

The Enserva gathering was specifically organized around strengthening Canada’s energy security and economic competitiveness, with discussions focused on pipelines, energy corridors, permitting and cooperation between provinces.

Ford has also expressed support for stronger cooperation between Alberta and Ontario on energy infrastructure. During the Calgary discussions, the two premiers addressed plans involving the proposed Northern Shield pipeline and the potential role of provincial investment in major projects.

The appearance highlighted the contrasting positions surrounding Alberta’s constitutional debate. While Smith has said she supports keeping Alberta within Canada, she has also maintained that the province needs greater control over areas of provincial jurisdiction and has criticized Ottawa’s past approach to Alberta’s economy and natural resources.

The October vote therefore comes amid a broader debate over Alberta’s relationship with the federal government, provincial powers and the future direction of the country.

For Ford, the message in Calgary was centred on unity and cooperation between provinces. For Smith, the referendum represents a way for Albertans to express their views after years of political tension between Edmonton and Ottawa.

The outcome of the October 19 vote will determine whether the issue moves toward another binding referendum on Alberta’s possible separation from Canada or whether the separation question does not proceed through that proposed process.

Courtesy: CBC