Former foes and a united front
EDMONTON — Shortly before midday on a crisp Tuesday, with just six days to go before Alberta’s big referendum, dozens of Edmonton’s movers and shakers filed into a second-floor hall of the swanky Royal Glenora Club, where the local chamber of commerce was holding a special luncheon.
On a crisp Tuesday, just six days before Alberta’s referendum, dozens of the province’s influential figures gathered at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton for a special luncheon. Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks, the event aimed to discuss the implications of the upcoming vote. Outside the club’s windows, a picturesque scene unfolded, featuring lush parks of pine trees and golden-leafed trees along the North Saskatchewan River.
However, inside the hall, a striking sight awaited: former Alberta premiers Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney, both former foes, sat side by side, united in their message.
Notley and Kenney, whose political paths crossed in recent years, have never been friends and hold different political views. Despite this, they joined forces to advocate for Albertans to remain in Canada during the referendum. In a post-luncheon press conference, a journalist joked about their newfound "Lennon and McCartney-like synergy," but the former leaders acknowledged that they couldn't fully hide their disagreements on certain policies.
Both leaders argued that leaving Canada would have severe economic consequences for Alberta. They also cautioned against the uncertainty caused by the referendum, which could deter investors. Kenney, though he didn't criticize his successor, Premier Danielle Smith, was more pointed in his criticism of separatists within the United Conservative Party.
He accused those attempting to infiltrate the federalist party of being dishonest and disrespectful of democracy. He emphasized that they should be expelled from caucus and should not attempt to take over a party and government formed on the basis of loyalty to Canada.
This bizarre alliance of former enemies highlights the unusual circumstances surrounding Alberta's referendum. Despite only about three-quarters of the province's population supporting staying in Canada, the referendum will proceed, costing nearly $130 million. The rise of separatism in Alberta can be traced back to historical roots, such as the Western Canada Concept Party in the 1980s, but the current movement is not a direct continuation.
Factors such as pandemic restrictions, the rise of the populist right, and cultural influences have contributed to the surge in separatist sentiment.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
