Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has reaffirmed his party's commitment to a united Canada amid growing separatist sentiments in Alberta. Addressing reporters, Poilievre emphasized that the Conservatives are "entirely a federalist caucus," noting that no member of Parliament within his party supports Alberta's push for separation. The group Stay Free Alberta is actively campaigning for a referendum to establish the province as an independent nation, aiming to gather nearly 178,000 signatures by May. Poilievre, a proud federalist and "born and bred Albertan," highlighted that provinces cannot unilaterally separate from Canada. He pointed out that a successful referendum would necessitate negotiations between the province, the federal government, and First Nations groups. In a January speech at the Conservative convention, Poilievre attributed the rise of separatist movements to Liberal policies, arguing that Ottawa has been undermining Alberta's energy sector and encroaching on Quebec's jurisdiction.
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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has reaffirmed his party's commitment to a united Canada amid growing separatist sentiments
Published July 8, 2026 at 1:13 PM UTC