Alberta premier to deliver televised address amid renewed separation referendum debate

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to deliver a televised address Thursday evening amid renewed political debate over a possible referendum on Alberta’s future within Confederation.

The address is set to air at 6:45 p.m. on CTV, Global and Rogers television networks and will also be livestreamed on the premier’s social media channels.

The appearance follows controversy at a United Conservative Party caucus committee meeting Wednesday, where members debated a motion urging Smith to call an Oct. 19 referendum on Alberta’s place in Canada. The motion, introduced by UCP member Nate Glubish, was not passed before the meeting adjourned.

During debate on the motion, the UCP caucus issued a news release stating the proposal had passed. Opposition NDP members challenged the release, arguing it raised concerns about the integrity of the committee process because discussion was still underway when the statement was published.

The committee is expected to reconvene later Thursday to continue discussions.

The debate comes as Alberta’s governing party faces ongoing pressure from some members advocating for greater provincial autonomy and renewed discussion around separation from Canada.