In a rare political convergence, leaders from Alberta and Quebec are exploring ways their provinces might collaborate on the path to independence from Canada.
Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois, visited Calgary this week to discuss shared frustrations with federal governance and the possibility of coordinated efforts toward separation.
Speaking at the University of Calgary, Plamondon emphasized the ideological overlap between Quebec sovereigntists and Alberta separatists.
“On several occasions, I hear Alberta speaking, and I’m just — I actually think the same,” Plamondon told the crowd. “We might find that there are several points that we could work together, and those that we don’t agree on, it’s much better we respect that and do our own thing, instead of having the federal government trying to impose things.”
Plamondon is currently leading in Quebec’s public opinion polls ahead of next year’s provincial election. He has pledged to hold a referendum on Quebec independence during his first term if elected.
Cameron Davies, leader of the Republican Party of Alberta, echoed Plamondon’s sentiments, saying, “We have slightly different aims and objectives through independence. However, I think there is value in having that conversation between provinces that have come to the realization that confederation is, in fact, very broken.”
Premier Danielle Smith, speaking at an unrelated press conference, reiterated her belief in a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.
“The problem has been federal overreach,” she said. “I’m beginning to see they understand that, and the other provinces are starting to push back too.”
Plamondon’s visit coincides with a judicial review of a proposed referendum question by the Alberta Prosperity Project, which seeks to determine whether a vote on Alberta’s separation would be constitutional.
Martha Hall Findlay, Director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, stressed the importance of clarity in any future referendum.
“Our hope in Alberta is, of course, whatever people’s views are, it better be a clear question that people can answer and understand what they’re answering,” she says.
Plamondon says he isn’t supportive of a pipeline through his province.
He also says on the issue of federal transfers that Quebec would be happier not sending $90 billion in cash to Ottawa rather than having money from other provinces sent back from Ottawa with strings attached.
With files from The Canadian Press