Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack wants Edmontonians to show up in October and vote no.
His message came hours after Premier Danielle Smith announced on May 21 that a question about Alberta separation will appear on the October 19 provincial ballot. The question won't ask Albertans directly whether they want to leave Canada. Instead, it asks whether the provincial government should begin the legal process toward a future binding separation vote a referendum on whether to hold a referendum.
Knack didn't mince words.
What Knack Said
"Edmonton is and always will be a vital part of Canada," he said in a statement. "Premier Smith and the UCP Government's separatist agenda is catastrophic for Edmontonians, Albertans, and all Canadians."
His core argument isn't just that separation is a bad idea it's that this is the wrong moment to be talking about it at all. With housing costs up, healthcare strained, and families stretched thin, Knack said the provincial government is burning time and money on a political exercise instead of governing.
"At a time when families are focused on affordability, access to quality public healthcare, and strong public education, moving forward with a referendum to do another referendum does nothing to help, and wastes our money," he said.
The Economic Warning
Knack also warned the uncertainty alone carries a cost. Investors don't commit to places mid-identity-crisis. He argued Smith's approach is already doing economic damage before a single ballot is cast.
"Premier Smith's government is causing severe economic uncertainty that will only result in lost investment and lost jobs that we all rely on," he said.
The Treaty Question
Beyond the economics, Knack closed on something that rarely gets said plainly in political statements: that Alberta's relationship to Canada isn't just political — it's foundational. He specifically thanked First Nations and Métis governments across the province for publicly supporting a united Canada, and said any separation process would have to reckon with the treaties that have governed this land long before Alberta was a province.
"This reckless referendum cannot ignore the treaties that form the foundation of this province, and this country," he said.
What Happens in October
The October 19 ballot will include ten questions total. Smith has said she would personally vote in favour of moving toward a binding referendum, but has stopped short of directly endorsing full separation.
Knack's message to Edmontonians: don't assume it'll sort itself out.
"I encourage all Edmontonians to not be complacent," he said. "Edmontonians believe in this country. I believe in this country."
Sources:
Mayor Andrew Knack, public statement, May 21, 2026
Government of Alberta, televised address by Premier Danielle Smith, May 21, 2026
