Alberta Conservative MPs ‘walking a fine line’ on politically explosive referendum issue, and don’t want to give it more oxygen, say politicos

Nearly all Alberta Conservative MPs are declining to comment on the province's separation talk, saying they do not want to give it more oxygen, and don't want to undermine Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's chances of forming government in the next election. Pollsters say the issue should be taken very seriously.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's Alberta caucus is walking a fine line on the referendum issue, as the movement is based in the province's rural Conservative heartland where most voters support the party federally.The Hill Times photograph by Amir Said

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BY ABBAS RANA, JESSE CNOCKAERT

February 9, 2026

Most Alberta Conservative MPs aren't talking publicly about a push for a separation referendum in their home province because it's a politically explosive issue, they want Alberta to remain in the country, and any public comment could be used to undermine Conservative Leader...

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