‘Not just a bunch of whiny cowboys’: at least four former Conservative MPs support Alberta’s separation from Canada

Alberta’s long-standing grievances will never be addressed within Canada, which means leaving is the only option, say four ex-Conservative MPs, including former Harper-era cabinet minister Jay Hill who now lives in Alberta.

Former Conservative MPs Jay Hill, left, Leon Benoit, Val Meredith, and Allan Kerpan support Alberta becoming an independent country. Hill says that he has not been approached by the leave side to support its efforts, but added that he would be willing to campaign on its behalf if asked. Photographs courtesy of The Hill Times Archives and OurCommons.ca

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BY ABBAS RANA

June 8, 2026

At least four former Conservative MPs, including a former chief government whip, are backing the Oct. 19 referendum in the hopes that a majority of Albertans will support a formal vote on separation.

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