Hon. Daryl S. Fridhandler: Honourable senators, I rise to address Alberta separatism. It’s hard to know, from one day to the next, the lay of the land or where we are going. Today, we are a mere 52 days until the Alberta Prosperity Project’s May 2 deadline. Premier Smith has confirmed that if the petition achieves its required number of signatures, there will be a referendum on separation on Monday, October 19.

There will also be nine Smith-initiated referenda, proposing, to name a few, to limit those able to access provincially funded programs to citizens, permanent residents or persons with “Alberta-approved” immigration status; to amend the Constitution to have provincial governments appoint King’s Bench and Court of Appeal justices; and to abolish the federal Senate.

I know you will all join me in Alberta to campaign against this last item, and I thank you in advance.

Might these additional referenda be carrots to draw more out on the referenda day? Or might the opposite be true: to move the focus away from the separation referendum? I don’t believe I’m being too cynical in suggesting the former.

Premier Smith has gone out of her way to appease the separatists. She’s lowered the number of signatures and extended the collection period. Why Premier Smith’s appeasement? As Conservative insider Ken Boessenkool recently noted:

Today, Take Back and Free Albertans control the United Conservative Party of Alberta — and Danielle Smith’s ability to contest the next election.

He goes on:

To accede to these demands, Smith made it easier for these groups to force a referendum on separation . . . .

Quebec governments have played separatism well, and Alberta is attempting to follow their precedent. However, Quebec is unique and distinct in many, many ways. Alberta separation is largely driven by financial grievances, such as equalization payments, and the balance of power between federal and provincial institutions.

Consider the surprising Brexit vote: six years on and a feeling of “Bregret,” with nearly 60% wishing the United Kingdom had not left.

Most Alberta First Nations have invaluably spoken out against the separatist movement. Chief Sheldon Sunshine’s leadership of the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and their legal action highlight the fact that First Nations’ treaties were signed with Canada and predate Canada’s creation of Alberta as a province in 1905.

Your Honour, the threat of separation is real — near and long term. The 500,000-signature-strong Forever Canadian petition showed Albertans want to remain in Canada.

I ask you, my Senate colleagues, to be steadfast in your support of a united Canada. I ask our federal government to take action sooner rather than later. Who if not the Prime Minister? October 19 will be upon us soon.

I urge all of you in this chamber to step up as the federalists you are.

Thank you. Meegwetch.

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.