An editorial arguing that Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith's "Alberta Next Panel," launched to address the province's "Ottawa problem" and discuss its place in Canada, is actually an attempt to manage growing separatist sentiment within her United Conservative Party base. While Smith claims to seek a "strong, free and sovereign within a united Canada," the panel and lowered referendum thresholds risk fueling separation, as seen in Quebec and Brexit. The editorial suggests Alberta's problem is internal, not with Ottawa.
Globe editorial: Alberta has an Alberta problem
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️An editorial arguing that Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith's "Alberta Next Panel," launched to address the province's "Ottawa problem" and discuss its place in Canada, is actually an attempt to manage growing separatist sentiment within her United Conservative Party base. While Smith claims to seek a "strong, free and sovereign within a united Canada," the panel and lowered referendum thresholds risk fueling separation, as seen in Quebec and Brexit. The editorial suggests Alberta's problem is internal, not with Ottawa.
Trending- 1 Early 1990s: Robert Bourassa's efforts to counter Quebec separatism failed.
- 2 1994: Parti Québécois returned to power in Quebec.
- 3 1995: Quebec near-death referendum experience.
- 4 2015: David Cameron campaigned on holding a Brexit referendum.
- 5 2016: Brexit referendum passed.
- 6 2022: Danielle Smith became Premier of Alberta.
- 7 Last month (June 2025): Premier Smith announced the "Alberta Next Panel."
- 8 Last month (June 2025): Republican Party came in third in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills by-election.
- 9 Last week (early July 2025): Head of an Albertan independence group released a report.
- 10 Summer and Fall 2025: Alberta Next Panel to hold open hearings.
- 11 2026: Potential provincial referendum.
- Potential for a provincial referendum on separation
- Risk of fueling separatist movement
- Internal political challenges for Premier Smith
- Ongoing debate about Alberta's place in Canada
What: An editorial discussing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's "Alberta Next Panel" and the province's separatist sentiment.
When: Published July 9, 2025. Panel announced last month (June 2025), hearings this summer and fall. Smith became premier in 2022.
Where: Alberta, Ottawa, Canada.
Why: Premier Smith launched the panel to address perceived federal interference ('Ottawa problem') and to manage separatist sentiment within her UCP base, aiming for a stronger Alberta within Canada, but potentially risking a separation referendum.
How: Smith announced the "Alberta Next Panel" for public consultations and hearings across the province, which will identify policy questions for a potential 2026 provincial referendum. The government also lowered the threshold for citizen-triggered referendums.