Why Alberta separatism gets treated with kid gloves

A movement openly questioning the legitimacy of Confederation is being normalized as part of democratic discourse, while First Nations asserting their treaty rights are portrayed as procedural obstacles standing in the way of the people’s will.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith refuses to rule out calling a referendum on separatism even after a court ruled against a petition to get the question on the ballot, finding province failed in its duty to consult Indigenous Peoples.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

Opinion

BY BHAGWANT SANDHU

May 20, 2026

OTTAWA—Alberta separatists insist their beef is about the Prairies, pipelines, and equalization payments. But beneath the constitutional language sits a more uncomfortable truth about whose anger counts as legitimate in this country.

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