The National Post reports in its Tuesday edition that amid growing pressure from sovereigntists, Premier Danielle Smith has included a question in the upcoming provincial referendums asking Albertans if they want to remain in Canada or start the process for a binding independence vote.
The Post's Stephanie Taylor writes that Edmonton Centre MP Eleanor Olszewski says, "Honestly, I'm disappointed in the premier's decision to put this question, this particular referendum question on a ballot." She says citizens are already facing too much uncertainty coming from President Donald Trump's tariffs and wider global disruptions.
"This is not the time to be dividing Canadians, or to be putting a choice to Albertans."
In her view, Ms. Olszewski sees the separatist challenge as something much deeper than what can be addressed with one pipeline project.
"It's not a pipeline issue." Western alienation has shaped how many Albertans view their treatment by Ottawa, and she believes those outside the region do not fully understand this sentiment.
"You need to have lived in Alberta, and have talked to a lot of Albertans to help understand," she said, describing it as a sense of feeling disrespected by Ottawa and other Canadians.
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