Danielle Smith to speak at Alberta Day celebration as referendum nears

Premier Danielle Smith of Alberta is scheduled to address an Alberta Day celebration in Calgary on Sunday, coinciding with the approaching referendum on the province's potential separation from Canada. The event, taking place at Heritage Park, marks the anniversary of Alberta's official entry into Canada as a province on September 1, 1905. The referendum, set for October 19, will ask Albertans whether they wish to remain in Canada or hold a second referendum on separation.

Smith has voiced her support for the province remaining in Canada, noting that numerous petitions have been signed by Albertans in favor of both staying with Canada and pursuing separation. Critics have accused Smith of betraying separatist members of her United Conservative Party (UCP), misleading Albertans, and prioritizing her own interests over the province's best interests.

Separatist leader Jeffrey Rath has accused Smith of undermining the province's interests in Ottawa, while opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi called for the fall referendum to be postponed due to ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

Thomas Lukaszuk, organizer of the pro-federalist Forever Canadian petition, echoed this sentiment, urging Albertans to put aside domestic conflict and unite against economic threats. Smith addressed the calls to postpone the referendum during a recent CTV News interview, comparing the anger among Canadians in Quebec and Ontario towards U.S. President Donald Trump to the anger Albertans feel towards former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

She emphasized that addressing these issues head-on is crucial, rather than ignoring them. Smith reiterated her stance that Alberta should remain part of Canada, calling for a vote to affirm this decision.