Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew is urging Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to press pause on her fall separation referendum.
Kinew, speaking directly to Smith at the annual meeting of the Western and Northern Premiers, said that with all provinces signing and building megaprojects — including an Alberta pipeline to the West Coast — this isn’t the time for such uncertainty.
“Now is the time to work together,” Kinew said Tuesday as the leaders met with reporters to wrap up their two-day meeting in Kananaskis, Alta.
“Why don’t we hold off on this referendum talk for a year or two, so we can get these pipelines under construction?
“Because at the end of the day, we want Canada to succeed.”
Smith didn’t respond and wasn’t asked by reporters to respond.
She has said she wants her province to remain in Canada but that many Albertans are unhappy with Ottawa and deserve a chance to express their opinion on staying in Confederation.
Smith announced last week that Albertans will vote on Oct. 19 on whether to stay in Canada or begin the process of holding a binding referendum on leaving the country.
All premiers at the meeting say now is the time for unity and certainty in order to get things done for Canadians.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2026.