Jason Kenney warns of ‘deeply divisive’ impact of a sovereignty referendum in Alberta

Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney is painting a bleak picture of what will happen if Albertans are forced to vote on a referendum on separation, calling it a deeply divisive, non-violent version of a civil war.

Kenney, Alberta's premier from 2019 to 2022, says a small minority of angry people should not be able to push a separatist agenda that impacts everyone in the province.

He says it's deeply divisive and would divide families, friends and communities if it goes forward.

Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative government is officially lowering the required threshold for citizens to initiate a provincewide referendum, including on separation.

Kenney says there are probably only a few thousand Albertans that are truly committed to leaving Canada.

He says he would be willing to take a leading role against the referendum if it happens.