Poilievre to prescribe new policies as an antidote for Alberta separation sentiment

A Canada flag, left, and an Alberta flag flap in the breeze with Wedge Mountain in the background in Kananaskis, Alta., on Monday, June 2, 2025. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to call for a shift in federal policies as an antidote for separatist sentiment in Alberta when he speaks in Calgary on Monday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

CALGARY — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to call for a shift in federal policies as an antidote for separatist sentiment in Alberta.

Poilievre is set to speak in Calgary later today, and an excerpt of his speech was shared with The Canadian Press.

The party leader will argue in his speech that Albertans could benefit from changes that prioritize unblocking resources, building pipelines, respecting provincial autonomy and relieving taxpayers.

His address says separatist voices do not have an issue with fellow Canadians, but rather they “have a problem with the federal government.”

• Sign up for breaking news alerts from CTV News, right at your fingertips
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said last month that her government will ask in October whether Albertans think the province should remain a part of Canada or begin the legal process to separate.

• An early look at Poilievre’s speech rallying Alberta to stay in Canada
• In Alberta, Poilievre to argue new federal direction can ease separatist concerns
• ‘The recession is real’: Poilievre calls for emergency debate

Poilievre said last month that he and his caucus will campaign across Alberta over the summer and encourage people to stay in “the Canadian family.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2026.

The Canadian Press