Opposition calls on UCP MLAs to make stance on separation public

The Alberta NDP is calling on all UCP MLAs to publicly disclose how they will vote in October's referendum question on separation.

The Official Opposition is calling on United Conservative MLAs to make their stance on separation public ahead of October’s referendum.

During a press conference Thursday morning, New Democrat deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi said the vast majority of UCP MLAs have remained silent on the issue of separation.

“Only 10 UCP MLAs have actually come out and publicly stated that they will be voting to remain in Canada,” Pancholi told media. “Seventy-five per cent are unwilling to publicly say which option they are voting for … Why haven’t any of those UCP MLAs made the clear public statements their colleagues have?”

She drew attention to Jason Stephan, MLA for Red Deer-South, who publicly called on Albertans to sign the separatist petition, as well as Grant Hunter and Chelsea Petrovic, who were active supporters of the Coutts blockade.

“Let’s be clear. Any UCP MLA waxing poetic about their love of Canada isn’t the same as telling Albertans how they’re going to be voting on Oct. 19,” said Pancholi. “Every single UCP MLA needs to say publicly and unequivocally which option they will be voting for.”

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Pancholi said every NDP MLA will be voting in favour of Alberta staying in Canada, having launched the For Alberta, For Canada campaign.

“Every single NDP MLA and every single UCP MLA should have to answer that question specifically.”

The UCP Caucus is adamant that it “supports a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.”

“This is a decision for Albertans,” said government whip Brandon Lunty in a statement Thursday afternoon. “We recognize that Albertans’ frustrations have been fueled by the last 10 years of disastrous policies from Ottawa under Justin Trudeau.

“Now is the time to double down and help Canada reach its incredible potential.”

The referendum question will ask Albertans to pick one of two options.

Option one: Alberta should remain a province in Canada.

Option two: The Government of Alberta should commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada.

It is one of 10 questions on the referendum. The other nine ask questions on immigration policy and constitutional concerns.

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