Poilievre to push Ottawa for policy changes aimed at easing separatist concerns in Alberta speech

Craig Lord Ottawa The Canadian Press Published YesterdayUpdated 3 hours ago Open this photo in gallery: Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre during a news conference in Ottawa on May 29. Poilievre says he and his caucus will campaign across Alberta over the summer and encourage people to stay in 'the Canadian family.' Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press Save for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story. Log InCreate Free Account Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to argue that a change in federal policies would ease separatist concerns in Alberta when he makes a speech in Calgary on Monday. In an excerpt of that speech shared with The Canadian Press, Mr. Poilievre says separatist voices do not have an issue with their fellow Canadians, “they have a problem with the federal government.” “We do not need a different country, Alberta. We need different government policies in Ottawa,” the speech reads. The Conservative leader will argue in the address that Albertans could benefit from changes that prioritize unblocking resources, building pipelines, respecting provincial autonomy and relieving taxpayers. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said last month that her government will ask Albertans in October if they think the province should remain part of Canada or should begin the legal process for a separation referendum. Editorial: How to punch a hole in the sails of Alberta separatists Prime Minister Mark Carney has said the Alberta referendum on separation could be a “dangerous bluff.” Mr. Poilievre said last month that he and his caucus will be campaigning across Alberta over the summer and encouraging people to stay in “the Canadian family.” Sam Lilly, director of media relations for the Office of the Official Opposition, declined to provide more details on what that campaign would look like when asked Sunday. In the prepared remarks, Mr. Poilievre says the answer for Alberta is to band together with other provinces to push for federal policies that advance shared interests and support industries that cross provincial lines. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith highlights common causes in visit with Quebec counterpart Repealing what he calls Liberal “anti-development laws,” such as bills C-69 and C-48, would help both Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador, for example. Residents of Toronto as well as Alberta cities would benefit from a tougher criminal justice system, Mr. He also calls for Alberta to “lock arms with Quebec” to regain provincial control over federal policies such as immigration. “Locking arms with other provinces is the practical, realistic path to a stronger Alberta within a united Canada,” the speech reads.