Conservative Chief Pierre Poilievre says he opposes Alberta separatism however added that Albertans have a “proper to be annoyed” with Ottawa.
Talking to reporters Tuesday shortly after Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his new federal cupboard, Poilievre was requested whether or not he was prepared to “publicly denounce Alberta separatism and the Alberta separatist motion.”
“I’m towards separation. I’m a born and raised Albertan. I like Canada. I feel we have to unite this nation,” he mentioned.
“Albertans have a whole lot of legit grievances. I imply, let’s be blunt.”
Poilievre, who misplaced his long-held using of Carleton in final month’s federal election, will probably be operating once more in Battle River—Crowfoot in Alberta in an upcoming byelection after occasion MP Damien Kurek introduced his intention to resign the seat to get Poilievre into the Home of Commons.
Poilievre mentioned Alberta’s oil and gasoline business had been “below assault” for the final decade.
“They’ve misplaced two main pipelines, [and] a $20-billion mine. There’s a brand new, ridiculous power cap that’s going to drive jobs and manufacturing south to america of America. There’s an industrial carbon tax that’s going to kill the business,” Poilievre mentioned.
“Frankly, Albertans have a proper to be annoyed.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has launched a invoice that might make it simpler for Albertans to launch referendums on numerous subjects — together with splitting from Canada.
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Smith has pointed to rising alienation in her province and frustration with Ottawa, saying these desirous to separate “aren’t fringe voices.”
Poilievre mentioned Ottawa “can’t inform Alberta to simply pay up and shut up.”
“Albertans wish to be a part of a united Canada, however they need to be handled with respect, they usually need to be honoured for the immense contribution that they make to this nation,” he mentioned.
The nationwide chief of the Meeting of First Nations mentioned speak of Alberta separatism is “irresponsible” and that it’s “not sensible” for politicians to make statements about it with out consulting with First Nations first.
Nationwide Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak mentioned on Monday that any effort by Alberta to separate the nation could be “unconstitutional” and a “direct affront to the sacred treaties that predate the province itself.”
She says First Nations have by no means ceded their inherent rights to the land and assets, and separatism would disregard treaties and undermine the inspiration of Canada.
— With recordsdata from The Canadian Press
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