Jason Kenney urges federal MPs to oppose Alberta separation talk

Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney says federal Members of Parliament should publicly oppose efforts aimed at separating Alberta from Canada, warning that a referendum on sovereignty would create deep divisions across the province and country.

Speaking at an event at the University of Calgary on Monday evening, Kenney said a vote on Alberta leaving Confederation would cause a “huge rupture” in society and argued federal politicians need to take a clearer position on national unity.

Liberal MP Cory Hogan, who also attended the event, said Alberta MPs and Prime Minister Mark Carney should speak more directly to concerns being raised in the province while defending Canada’s unity.

Carney has previously said the federal government is working on measures intended to address issues affecting Albertans and Canadians more broadly, including economic and regional concerns.

The discussion comes amid renewed debate in Alberta over federal policies, provincial autonomy and western alienation. No referendum on separation has been formally announced.

National unity debates can affect federal–provincial relations, investment confidence and public policy discussions in Alberta and across Canada.

Federal and provincial leaders are expected to continue discussions on economic and constitutional issues raised by Alberta officials and advocacy groups.