Smith urges supporters to back Canada ahead of Alberta referendum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith spoke to more than 2,000 United Conservative Party supporters in Calgary on Friday night and argued that Alberta should remain part of Canada. Speaking at what organizers said was the party’s largest leader’s dinner to date, Smith said her government has been making progress and pointed to a recent agreement with the federal government on a new pipeline to the B.C. coast as evidence of new energy investment. Smith also linked her message to Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum, which includes a question on whether the province should remain in Canada. She urged supporters to vote to stay and to answer yes to the other referendum questions, which cover issues such as immigration and constitutional powers. The premier said the vote is a way for Albertans to express frustration with Ottawa, while still recognizing their ties to the rest of the country. The event was attended by several UCP MLAs and B.C. Conservative leader KerryLynne Findlay.