Alberta’s referendum vote could trigger a new Reform-Bloc-style party for Western Canada, say high-profile, pro-independence advocates

If a new Western political party were to start, it could take the form of a revived Maverick Party, says former federal Conservative cabinet minister Jay Hill.

Former Conservative government House leader Jay Hill, left, Conservative deputy leader Andrew Scheer, centre, and then-House Speaker Peter Milliken, pictured Feb. 17, 2012. Hill is predicting the start of a Reform-Bloc Québécois-style party for Western Canada after the fall separation referendum in Alberta.The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright

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BY ABBAS RANA

July 27, 2026

Regardless of the outcome, some high-profile separatist Albertans are predicting that the Oct. 19 separation referendum could trigger the start of a new centre-right political party, based on the Reform Party and the Bloc Québécois models, to represent the interests and gr...

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