Poilievre says Alberta needs new priorities from Ottawa, not a new country

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the easiest way to squash separatist sentiment in Alberta is for the federal government to butt out of the province’s business.

Poilievre, speaking in Calgary, said Albertans don’t need a new country; they just need Ottawa to change its priorities.

Read more:

• Poilievre to prescribe new policies as an antidote for Alberta separation sentiment
• Smith says law will be enforced if Alberta separation vote spurs civil disobedience
• First Nations chiefs say civil disobedience an option if Alberta referendum proceeds

He said Albertans could benefit from freeing up resources, building pipelines, respecting provincial autonomy and reducing taxpayer burden.

Poilievre said the province’s priorities would benefit all of Canada and Alberta and other provinces should work together to make it happen.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said last month that her government will ask in October whether Albertans think the province should remain in Canada or hold a binding vote on separating.

Poilievre has said he and his caucus will campaign across Alberta over the summer to encourage people to not to give up on Canada.

He said people from across the country should be supporting Alberta’s ambitions and is urging them to reach out and tell Albertans how much they are loved and appreciated.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2026.