Smith says Alberta separatists should aim to win fall vote and respect the result

Premier Danielle Smith says she acted on a referendum question on Thursday because she knows residents need a clear answer on the issue sooner rather than later

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says separatists who are upset that a binding vote on quitting Canada has been put off should focus on the fall referendum rather than campaigning to force a review of her job.

Smith announced Thursday that a question on the province’s Oct. 19 referendum will ask Albertans if they want to remain in Canada or start the process to hold a binding referendum on separation.

Leaders of a separatist petition campaign to get a binding question on the ballot have called the move a betrayal.

Jeff Rath, a lawyer for the petition group, has said he thinks many of Smith’s United Conservative Party members will call for a leadership review.

Smith says those who want a binding separation vote should put their efforts towards winning in October.

She says she’ll respect the results of the referendum and hopes the separatists will too.

Smith says she’ll be voting to stay and trying to get as many Albertans as possible to do the same.

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press