Alberta’s New Democratic Party (NDP) asks Premier Danielle Smith to cancel or postpone a planned referendum on Alberta separating from Canada, arguing it is occurring during a tense period in Canada–U.S. relations. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says the timing could undermine Canada’s negotiating position while the country faces a consequential trade dispute with its southern neighbour.
Outlets report Nenshi calls on Smith to “call off the referendum” and, at minimum, delay it. The Winnipeg Free Press and other outlets frame the request as part of a broader concern about how a separation vote might be perceived while Canada responds to trade pressures from the U.S. In contrast, The National Observer also reports that Smith does not agree and says the referendum is a “separate process,” indicating she is not required to link it to the trade dispute.
