English
Preston Manning says he is puzzled by opinion polls suggesting many Canadians outside Alberta view Premier Danielle Smith as a separatist. The conservative elder statesman and Reform Party founder argues that Smith has consistently championed both a strong Alberta and a united Canada. Manning made his comments Wednesday at an event promoting an upcoming political forum he is co-hosting.
Manning Defends Smith’s Pro-Canada Record
Manning, 84, said he has seen polling data indicating that many Canadians beyond Alberta’s borders consider Smith to be anti-Canada. However, he strongly disputes that characterization. He said that for years, no one has been more vocal than Smith in advocating for both Alberta’s strength and Canadian unity.
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Manning added that Canadians will get a renewed look at Smith when she speaks at a virtual two-day forum beginning September 19. The event is titled “Alberta and the West Assembly.” Smith is expected to discuss Alberta’s future as a strong and sovereign province within Confederation.
Manning is the former federal opposition leader and founder of the Reform Party. That movement grew out of voter dissatisfaction with Ottawa and a perceived lack of attention to Western Canada in the late 1980s. His political background gives him a long perspective on western grievances and their relationship to national unity debates.
Alberta Referendum Set for October 19
Smith called a referendum earlier this year. Albertans will vote on October 19 on whether the province should remain in Canada or proceed to a second, binding referendum to begin the legal process of separation. That question is one of ten items on the ballot. The remaining nine focus on immigration and constitutional matters.
Smith has argued that enough Albertans now view separation as a legitimate response to federal interference in provincial affairs. She said it is time to settle the issue once and for all through a public vote. The upcoming forum will hear from groups both for and against secession. Manning said the event is designed to inform Alberta voters who are seeking balanced information ahead of the referendum.
Critics Question Smith’s Motivations
Not everyone accepts Smith’s framing of the issue. Critics, including the Opposition NDP, argue that Smith is inflating and legitimizing the grievances of a small group of discontented Albertans. They say her goal is to satisfy hardline separatists within her own United Conservative Party rather than reflect broader public sentiment.
Meanwhile, Manning maintains that Smith’s record speaks for itself. He believes the forum will give Canadians a clearer picture of where she actually stands. In his view, her commitment to Canada is genuine and consistent with her long history of advocating for Alberta within Confederation.
