Ex-Medicine Hat MP expects Liberal win to spur Alberta independence movement

“The numbers are going to go up hugely. And there’s good rationale, actually, for Alberta to become an independent sovereign nation,” Payne said.

Premier Danielle Smith said Tuesday she wants to shield Alberta from Ottawa’s “hostile acts” and argued the Liberals and New Democrats have “demeaned and demonized Albertans” for political gain.

Before the election, Smith vowed to strike up a so-called “what’s next” panel to listen to what Albertans want for their future.

Payne said that process is too slow.

“People are fed up and have had enough of the liberal government and the tyranny that they brought to this country,” he said.

“And in Alberta, I think people are getting to the point where saying, let’s get ready, let’s go independent.”

Smith said in early April that she doesn’t “foresee” the province initiating a succession vote. But she pointed out that citizens have options to make it happen — while also seeming to acknowledge a high bar.

Currently, an independence petition — as an issue requiring a constitutional amendment — would require 20 per cent of registered Alberta voters, or about 594,000 signatures.

Petitioners are granted 90 days from registering to acquire the support. There are also rules stipulating a minimum of support from across most of the provincial ridings.

A Western Identity Report by Pollara that surveyed 2,000 western Canadians found that only about 20 per cent of both Alberta and Saskatchewan residents are in favour of leaving Canada. Research Co. in 2023 found that 22 per cent of Albertans agreed with the idea of Alberta becoming a country. That number rises to 29 per cent for UCP voters.

However, the Pollara report also found 55 per cent of Albertans feel that their province is being treated unfairly by the federal government.

Joe Pate, a business owner in Medicine Hat, said the way Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal government run the country will determine his view on independence.

“I would look at what the net zero agenda is going to be and if it is going to be a restriction on the energy programs and capabilities in Alberta, I definitely say we’d be ready to stand on the independent side of things,” Pate said.

“Right now I’d say, no, we’re not independents, but if the government turns against Alberta, then we are ready to join whatever movements we have to.”

Alberta political organizer Cameron Davies, who shifted from supporting the United Conservatives to joining the Republican Party of Alberta, saw the election as a way to boost support for independence.

“Today is the birthday of many separatists in Alberta,” Davies said in a statement.

“It’s time we take control, stand for freedom and strong for Conservative values, and build an Alberta where our children can thrive.”

Medicine Hat-based political observer Jeremy Silver said that Smith is “dangling the carrot” by not completely taking a side on independence.

“You can tell she’s making subtle implications. She’s making comments about having discussions about the segment of the population that wants to hold a referendum,” Silver told CHAT News.

“Even though she’s not pushing for it and she’s not on board with it, it’s definitely she’s keeping it as a playing card.”

A Liberal government in Ottawa isn’t the worst outcome for Smith despite what she says, political consultant Jim Groom argued.

“There’s always been some speculation that the UCP government wants somebody they can play off of in Ottawa, not somebody they can play with,” Groom said late Monday as the Liberals barreled towards another national victory.

“That’s a Liberal government that they can blame for everything and anything, and it’s held them in good stead over the last few years.”

Carney during the federal election campaign vowed to strengthen Ottawa’s ties with Alberta, where his party won a solitary two seats.

by Olivia Thorington

Ex-Medicine Hat MP expects Liberal win to spur Alberta independence movement

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