Alberta NDP says referendum could leave Premier Smith battling internal divisions

Smith faces uphill battle post-referendum: NDP
Smith faces uphill battle post-referendum: NDP
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks at the Canada Strong and Free conference in Calgary, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Writer

Alberta Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says Premier Danielle Smith has created an "impossible situation for herself" after foisting a divisive separatism debate upon the province.

In a vote Monday, Albertans emphatically rejected holding a binding referendum on separating from Canada.

Smith has said she supports the province staying in Canada.

Nenshi says Smith will have to face down anger and division from separatism supporters within her United Conservative Party while trying to rebuild trust with the majority of Albertans who rejected secession.

He says Smith did this to herself, and says "the person who starts the fire waives the right to call the fire department."

Jeff Rath of the separatist group the Alberta Prosperity Project says Smith will face a reckoning within the UCP for her referendum.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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