Alberta's Separatist Stirrings: A Leadership Challenge and a Question of Independence
Alberta's political landscape is abuzz with talk of separatism, as the leader of the main separatist group, Mitch Sylvestre, is gearing up for a potential challenge to Premier Danielle Smith's leadership and the referendum question. With a growing UCP base expressing anger over Smith's pro-Canada stance, Sylvestre is determined to make his mark on the province's future.
A Leader's Frustration
Mitch Sylvestre, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project and former leader of Stay Free Alberta, is not holding back his frustration. He believes Smith's popularity has taken a hit, and her support among the UCP base is far from secure. Sylvestre predicts that if a leadership review were held today, Smith would struggle to reach even 60% support, a stark contrast to her 91.5% victory in the last review.
The Separatist Petition and the Court's Decision
Sylvestre's group previously filed a petition to force a clear independence question on ballots, but an Alberta judge quashed it. This decision frustrated many separatists, including Sylvestre, who felt Smith's referendum question was ambiguous and failed to provide a clear 'stay or leave' option. The premier's pro-remain stance and the court's ruling have only fueled the fire among those advocating for separation.
A Leader's Dilemma
As the UCP president, Rob Smith, declared the party's neutrality in the upcoming referendum, Sylvestre sees an opportunity to make his move. He is consulting with allies and considering various actions, including a special leadership review of Smith or a focus on the referendum question itself. The latter option could involve forcing party members to pass a pro-separatist resolution, a bold move that could reshape the UCP's stance.
The UCP's Internal Divide
The UCP's internal divide is evident, with some members expressing frustration over Smith's federalist advocacy and unclear referendum question. Pro-separatist voices, like Jason Lavigne, argue that a leadership review would only worsen Smith's position but wouldn't derail her. Instead, they believe it's a chance to focus on the referendum, a path towards independence that a majority of UCP supporters might support, according to polls.
The Road Ahead
Sylvestre plans to declare his next steps in early June, mobilizing his supporters and petition canvassers. He sees this as a 'wonderful problem' with thousands of people ready to take action. While he dismisses the idea of becoming interim premier, Sylvestre envisions a role in a potential transition team if Alberta secedes. His ultimate goal? A position as a senator in a new independent government.
As Alberta's political landscape continues to shift, the separatists' efforts could shape the province's future, leaving a lasting impact on its relationship with Canada.
