Western Canadian premiers meet as Alberta referendum looms

Western Canadian premiers opened their annual meeting on Monday with a pointed debate over regional unity, as Alberta prepares for a referendum on its future within Canada and separatist sentiment simmers in neighboring Saskatchewan. The leaders gathered at a lodge in Kananaskis, west of Calgary, for discussions that typically focus on shared regional projects but were immediately overshadowed by questions of national cohesion.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe stated his government’s support for a strong Saskatchewan within a united Canada, but acknowledged the deep-seated frustrations driving separatist discussions. He told reporters that the building frustration felt in Alberta over the past decade is also present in Saskatchewan, adding that he hears about such concerns almost daily. Moe said he understands the sense of alienation many feel toward federal policies from previous administrations, but cautioned against dwelling on the past.

The meeting’s tense opening exchange highlighted the rift. British Columbia Premier David Eby questioned the focus on collaborative building while, as he put it, Alberta pushes the envelope on breaking it all apart. In response, Alberta Premier...