MNI BRIEF: Alberta Separation Talk Stresses Canada Energy Rift

Premier Danielle Smith on Tuesday continued pushing to give the province of Alberta more control over energy exports, saying that if talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney fail she will allow citizens to put a separation referendum on the ballot next year.

“I personally still have hope that there is a path forward” to improve relations with the federal government, she told reporters. 

Smith spoke after a televised address Monday saying while she wants Alberta to stay in Canada, she's introducing measures making it easier for citizens to call for a referendum. (See: MNI INTERVIEW: Carney Quebec Gain Boosts Pipeline Odds- Surkes)

Polls suggest a large majority of Albertans support staying in Canada, and Smith's approach may skirt a federal "clarity" law passed after Quebec held two such votes in 1980 and 1995.