Alberta referendum could cause ‘real damage’ to province’s reputation, new group claims

Veteran political strategist Stephen Carter says Alberta could risk its reputation if it continues with separation.

A new grassroots group is pushing back against Premier Danielle Smith’s fall referendum, vowing to campaign against all ten questions on the October ballot, including one that could set the stage for a future vote on Alberta independence.

“Alberta’s Voice,” led by veteran political strategist Stephen Carter, launched this week with a warning that the referendum package poses a threat to both the province’s economy and its place in Canada.

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The new group argues uncertainty created by the referendum package, particularly around the separation question, could have real consequences for investment and job growth in the province.

“It is costing Albertans real money, real time and real damage to our global reputation all to manage a fight inside her own party. Alberta’s hard-won economic progress should not be sacrificed on the altar of UCP internal politics,” said Carter, in a news release about the launch of the organization.

Carter’s group says the questions are designed to divide voters and distract from more pressing issues facing Alberta.

With the October vote still months away, Alberta’s Voice says it is working to turn public opinion against all ten questions before the formal campaign period begins.

UCP insists it is not a separatist party

The governing United Conservative Party has pushed back against suggestions it is driving the province toward independence.

Smith has framed the referendum as a response to what she describes as repeated federal encroachment on Alberta’s resources and economy.

She echoed that position in a recent interview on BNN Bloomberg, saying, “We’ve got about a million Albertans who are frustrated with the relationship with Ottawa, to a point where they think it’s time to file the divorce papers.

“I don’t feel that way.”

• UCP ‘not an independence party’; also not lacking members who would support one
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CTV News also asked multiple UCP cabinet ministers how they plan to vote in October. All three said they support Alberta remaining in Canada.

With files from CTV’s Tyson Fedor