A shocking new Leger poll shows that support for Alberta Independence has reached 47% amongst Albertans, with 48% opposed and 5% undecided. The poll also asked voters in the rest of the country how they felt about Alberta potentially leaving Canada. 62% of Canadians nationally were opposed to Alberta separating, with just 26% in favour. However, when asked whether they understood why Alberta might want to become an independent country, 55% responded yes and 37% responded no. With a potential referendum on separation coming next spring, polling showing support at almost 50% confirms that the issue of separation will almost certainly dominate both federal and Alberta politics in the coming year.
During the Western Premiers’ Conference, BC Premier David Eby briefly seemed to not outright reject the idea of new pipelines, suggesting to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith a willingness to "cross that bridge" if another pipeline were ever proposed. But after the conference, Eby quickly reversed his stance, declaring firm opposition to any new oil pipelines through BC. He argued that the existing Trans Mountain Pipeline isn’t running at full capacity and should be the focus instead. We cannot afford to wait until the Trans Mountain pipeline is running at full capacity before even starting the conversation about building another one - especially given that a new pipeline would take several years to complete. With the current line already operating at roughly 88% capacity after just one year, it's clear there’s strong demand. The issue is expected to come to a head soon, with the Premiers meeting Prime Minister Carney in Saskatoon on June 2nd.
Premier Danielle Smith says Alberta’s independence movement could lose momentum if Ottawa delivers meaningful economic policy changes to the West. Speaking after the Western Premiers Conference, Smith emphasized that action on economic corridors and trade access could satisfy many Albertans’ concerns. She stated that if Prime Minister Mark Carney acts on the Premiers’ proposals, it could significantly ease separatist sentiment. Smith reiterated her support for a strong Alberta within Canada and noted the importance of federal cooperation. Meanwhile, David Eby criticized Western separatist movements as a distraction pushed by “a small minority of cranks” and said it’s hard to imagine a worse time to tacitly or openly support voices that want to break Canada apart. In contrast, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described those unhappy with Confederation not as fringe extremists but as friends and neighbours in the province who have grown frustrated with Ottawa.
Tim Hodgson, the new federal Energy Minister, delivered a passionate speech in Calgary emphasizing the importance of Canada's energy sector as a key driver for the national economy and global influence. Drawing on his experience in the oil and gas industry, including his time with MEG Energy and involvement in major pipeline projects like the Alliance Pipeline, Hodgson stressed the need for timely delivery of energy infrastructure rather than delays. He highlighted the role Canadian energy exports play in reducing global reliance on less clean sources and called for government and industry cooperation to advance projects like the Pathways carbon-capture initiative. Hogson's pro-development tone was well received, but he didn't announce any policy changes, and the general mood is that action, not words, is what's needed now. And the big question that remains is whether his cabinet colleagues agree with him or not.
Alberta will spend $7 million to expand its wildfire protection program, adding six new structural firefighting teams to guard communities near wildland areas. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis said the teams will be stationed in locations including Hinton, Slave Lake and Strathmore. This brings the total number of teams to eight, up from two. Each will receive $1.09 million in funding, split evenly between Alberta’s Forestry and Parks Ministry and the federal government. The teams are trained to handle the unique threats posed by wildfires at the edge of populated areas. Local leaders welcomed the investment, calling it a proactive measure to protect residents, farmland and infrastructure. While no current wildfires are considered major threats, officials emphasized that preparation is key as risk levels rise.
The Alberta government has warned that if negotiations with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) do not progress, a strike or government-led lockout could occur. The Province accused the union of demanding an excessive 29% wage increase over four years, a figure the union disputes, stating their latest offer was 24%, similar to a recent agreement with nurses. AUPE president Guy Smith said the union is ready to strike if necessary but remains hopeful for a deal, with talks scheduled to resume on June 2nd. Finance Minister Nate Horner emphasized that the government’s offers reflect Alberta’s fiscal realities and comparable market rates, warning the province cannot afford to be an outlier in wage demands.
