'Canada can work': Premier Smith voted for stay option in referendum, wants Albertans to follow suit

Premier Danielle Smith said she is voting for Alberta to remain in Canada, and she's urging everyone in the province to follow her lead.

Speaking to the Leduc, Nisku and Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce Wednesday afternoon, she said that Albertans should vote yes to nine of the 10 questions on the Oct. 19 referendum. But when it comes to the question of whether or not Alberta should pursue independence, Smith said remaining in Canada is the best path forward.

She said she's already voted for option one on the Alberta sovereignty question, "and I hope to be able to convince all of you to vote the same way."

Smith said she understands the resentment that's still aimed at former prime minister Justin Trudeau. But she said that Ottawa's relationship with Alberta has changed under Prime Minister Mark Carney. She said that previous Liberal governments paid little mind to Alberta, simply stating that the province had nothing much to complain about. But, she said that Carney tells her her, "I heard you and this is how I am responding to you."

Smith's talk comes after Carney declared that the Pacific Link pipeline is in the national interest, and the Department of National Defence announced expansion of its Edmonton operations earlier in the day.

So, Smith's talk was a message that the new Liberal government isn't the old Liberal government. When it comes to Carney, "meet the new boss, same as the old boss" is not true.

"Option 2 is to start the process that would lead to a binding referendum to separate," she said. "But I can tell you what I often hear from people who are grappling with this issue, is that there's a lot of people who were hurt by the previous 10 years under the former prime minister, and the coalition government that targeted our energy sector for extinguishment."

And her message for those people? Alberta is in a stronger position now than it has been in years.

"I am going to do whatever I can to convince as many Albertans as possible that Canada can work and hopefully win them over to that view," said Smith. "That's because the fight to make Canada work for Alberta is producing results. When Alberta stood up and spoke out and refused to back down, the rest of the country started listening. That's why I believe our best days are still ahead, as a strong Alberta within a united Canada."

She said that oil and gas caps have been scrapped, and that pipelines are now being greenlit.

"Today, projects that seemed impossible two years ago are now moving forward. Now, the current prime minister has worked constructively with us on the Canada Alberta Energy Agreement."

Smith said that if Albertans vote yes to the other questions on the referendum ballot, that strong voice will be sent to Ottawa. Those questions include whether or not Alberta should have greater control over immigration numbers, and if temporary foreign workers and students should pay health-care premiums or education fees

"There's a lot of people who want to send a message," said the premier. "There's a lot of people who think voting for option two will give leverage. If those are your reasons, I would say there is a better way to send a message or to give leverage. And that is to give us a mandate on the other nine questions… They ask for greater authority to prioritize economic migrants, to require temporary residents to pay a reasonable share of health-care and education costs, and require proof of citizenship to vote. The other questions are also about working with willing provinces to secure reforms to the judiciary, to the Senate and to how provincial autonomy is respected. They would ensure Alberta's place in Confederation is respected, no matter who governs in Ottawa. So, for me, that's the path forward."

And a final flag-waving endorsement for Canadian unity from the premier.

"I believe Canada can work. In fact, I believe it can work better every day."

West Coast 'Pacific Link' pipeline is in Canadian national interest: Carney, Smith

Premier Danielle Smith caught by tears during forum on Alberta referendum, grievances with Ottawa

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