“The Frustration is Ottawa”: Danielle Smith Talks Alberta Separatism and Pipeline Deal With Carney

CALGARY — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says deep frustrations with federal policies in Ottawa are fueling separatist sentiment in her province, even as support for a separation referendum has declined sharply.

In a wide-ranging interview, Ms. Smith described ongoing tensions over energy development, equalization payments and regulatory burdens as root causes of western alienation.

Polling Shows Declining Support

Recent Ipsos polling for Global News found that only 19 percent of Albertans would vote yes on the planned October referendum question about beginning a separation process. That figure is down from nearly 30 percent in January.

Despite the drop, Ms. Smith said the existence of significant discontent cannot be ignored. She noted that roughly 35 percent of Albertans had expressed losing hope in Canada’s ability to function fairly before recent federal overtures.

Pipeline Agreement in Sight

Ms. Smith said she is optimistic about finalizing a memorandum of understanding with Prime Minister Mark Carney on building a major oil pipeline to the West Coast. She credited Mr. Carney with showing willingness to work cooperatively on the issue.

The premier described the potential agreement as a key step toward demonstrating that “Canada can work” for Alberta. She emphasized that visible progress on resource development is essential to restoring faith in Confederation.

Cooperative Federalism

Ms. Smith called for a renewed spirit of cooperative federalism, arguing that Ottawa must respect regional differences rather than imposing uniform policies. She highlighted energy, immigration and firearms regulations as areas where Alberta seeks greater autonomy.

The premier said she has been advocating directly with Mr. Carney and believes there is genuine openness to finding accommodations that respect Alberta’s economic realities.

Frustrations Run Deep

Ms. Smith pointed to a decade of federal policies she described as hostile to Alberta’s oil and gas industry. She cited attempts to “shut in” production, high equalization payments to other provinces, and regulations that conflict with provincial priorities.

She stressed that Albertans do not hold grievances against fellow Canadians but against decision-making in Ottawa that disadvantages the province.

Urban-Rural Divide

Support for separation remains higher in rural Alberta, where resource jobs are concentrated, compared with major cities like Calgary and Edmonton. Ms. Smith said addressing economic concerns in these communities is central to reducing separatist momentum.

National Unity Concerns

While pushing for change, Ms. Smith positioned herself as someone working to keep Alberta in Canada. She rejected the idea that separatism is inevitable and said practical wins like new pipeline infrastructure could ease tensions significantly.

The premier noted that even in Quebec, where sovereignty debates have long existed, there is recognition that federal-provincial relations need reform.

Immigration and Guns

Ms. Smith said she plans to include questions on immigration and firearms on the fall referendum ballot. She argued that Alberta views these issues differently from Ottawa and wants more provincial control to reflect local needs and values.

Private Sector Role

On the proposed West Coast pipeline, Ms. Smith said the goal is to create conditions attractive to private investors rather than relying on government ownership. She pointed to loan guarantees for Indigenous equity participation as one model for derisking major projects.

Optimism for Deal

Ms. Smith expressed hope that an agreement with the federal government could be announced soon. She described recent federal actions, including the dropping of the carbon tax, as positive signals.

Broader Federation Reform

The premier argued that successful resolution of Alberta’s concerns could serve as a model for other provinces seeking more balanced federalism. She said a decentralized approach would strengthen rather than weaken the country.

Political Context

The interview comes as the Carney government seeks to manage regional tensions while advancing national economic goals. Alberta’s resource sector remains vital to Canada’s overall economy, but disputes over development pace and environmental policy continue to strain relations.

Path Forward

Ms. Smith said the focus must remain on showing Albertans through concrete actions that Canada can deliver fairness and opportunity. She rejected the notion that separation is the only solution and called for collaboration to address longstanding grievances.

Whether the planned referendum and pipeline negotiations can restore confidence in federalism will be closely watched across the country in the coming months.