When Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre addressed at crowd at Legion # 1 in Calgary on Monday, June 8, 2026, he emphasized that current frustrations with Ottawa can be resolved through policy changes rather than votes for separation.
While acknowledging there’s been problematic issues with the federal government that have made a case for Alberta to leave the confederation, Poilievre took a stance against separatism saying, “We don’t need a different country in Alberta. We need different government policies in Ottawa.”
His speech comes as Albertans prepare for a proposed referendum and continue debating the province’s place within the Confederation.
Poilievre said that Albertans have raised concerns about affordable housing, energy and federal involvement in provincial affairs, and also noted that the separatist movement has increased because many people feel their voices are not being heard.
“If you want frustrated Albertans to vote for Canada, the absolute worst thing we can do is dismiss their legitimate grievances,” Poilievre said.
Poilievre also stated that those Albertans who advocate for separation should be treated with respect and that Canadians should listen to their concerns rather than cause division.
“Those who are choosing separation from Canada are not our enemies. They are our fellow citizens, family members, loved ones, business partners, neighbors, friends,” Poilievre said.
His main argument is that Alberta’s best approach would be to work with other provinces, pursue future policy changes in Ottawa along with making adjustments to improve energy production, taxes and provincial control.
“The answer, therefore, is for Albertans is not to pull away from our friends in other provinces, but to lock arms with them to make Canada affordable, safe, self-reliant, and united here at home.”
He finishes the speech by calling Canada “the best country anywhere on earth” and reminding Albertans not to give up on it.