Quebec sovereigntists distance themselves from Alberta separatists ahead of vote

Explainer

Prominent Quebec sovereigntists are rejecting comparisons with Alberta separatists as that province prepares to vote on a referendum question about independence. The ballot, to be held on Monday, asks Albertans if their government should start the legal process for a future binding vote on separation. Advance polls opened on Tuesday and will remain open until Saturday. Several leading figures from Quebec's sovereignty movement say the motivations and goals of the two movements are not the same.

Marie-Anne Alepin, who leads the nationalist Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Montréal, believes the Alberta vote is a tactical move rather than a sincere push for nationhood. She argues it is being used as leverage in disputes with the federal government over resources. "They want a bigger role within Canada and we want to leave," Alepin said. "They want more control over their oil and gas ... we don't want pipelines."

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Why have Alberta separatists claimed common cause?

Some Alberta separatist leaders have pointed to Quebec's recent election as a reason for solidarity. After the Parti Québécois won a minority government on Oct. 5, Alberta columnist Cory Morgan wrote on social media that "Quebec rejected the status quo today." Morgan, a founder of the Alberta Independence Party, added that "Alberta can do the same in two weeks by choosing to send a message with Option 2 on Question 10." Another Alberta separatist, Jeffrey Rath, posted that "for the first time in history, Alberta Independence will have the support of the elected government of Quebec." These statements refer to comments made last year by PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon during a visit to Calgary, where he said he would recognize an independent Alberta. Rath said he met with the Quebec politician at that time. Alongside lawyer Keith Wilson, Morgan and Rath have complained that Quebec's independence quest is treated as legitimate while Alberta's is ridiculed.

What do veteran Quebec sovereigntists say about the differences?

Former Parti Québécois leader Jean-François Lisée was blunt in his assessment of the Alberta vote. "It's mostly a waste because defeat is certain," he said. "There's really nothing much to gain from watching the Alberta independence movement, except maybe negative lessons." He and former PQ minister Louise Harel agree the core motivations of the movements are not aligned.

They contend that Quebec's drive is rooted in protecting a distinct French-language culture and identity, a concern they say does not exist in Alberta. In contrast, they view Alberta separatism as primarily an economic and libertarian project with a desire for closer ties to the United States. "In Quebec, the idea is to give a unique historical nation in North America, which ... has valiantly resisted assimilation, the powers it needs to survive in a globalized world," Harel said. "But there is no such issue of identity or culture in Alberta." Lisée noted that while some in Quebec feel economically disadvantaged, it is not the central pillar of their movement. He also highlighted a political divide, stating Quebec sovereigntist parties have been social-democratic while the Alberta movement is conservative. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has consistently stated her opposition to secession, unlike PQ leaders who advocate for sovereignty.

How do levels of public support compare?

Polling indicates a stark contrast in popular backing for independence in each province. On the eve of Quebec's razor-thin 1995 referendum, public opinion was evenly divided. For Alberta, the polling aggregator 338 Canada reported less than 25 per cent support for leaving Canada as of Oct. 11. Daniel Turp, a law professor and former sovereigntist politician, observed that "there hasn't been a love-in in Alberta yet," referring to the large pro-Canada rallies in Montreal before the 1995 vote.

Turp suggested the low poll numbers mean Quebec sovereigntists are "not as worried because the polls show the option to remain will win." Voter turnout is also expected to differ significantly. More than 90 per cent of registered voters participated in the 1995 Quebec referendum. "That's the kind of voter turnout you see in countries where voting is mandatory," Harel said. "I would be extremely surprised if voter turnout in the Alberta referendum were the same."

Do Quebec figures support Alberta's right to choose?

Despite their criticisms, the Quebec sovereigntists interviewed expressed support for the principle of self-determination. All four said they sympathize with a desire for greater autonomy. "If Alberta were to vote yes, and then Ottawa would say, 'well, you can't leave,' we will be on the side of Alberta," Lisée said. Harel added that respecting the democratic process is paramount and that the Alberta vote could lend legitimacy to a future Quebec referendum.

They dismissed the idea that a defeat for the 'yes' side in Alberta would harm the PQ's own referendum plans. Alepin believes the movements are too distinct for one to affect the other. Lisée predicted Alberta's result would be "a negative but very insignificant factor" in Quebec's debate. Turp suggested that if Alberta chooses to stay, it might instead follow Quebec's example in seeking to negotiate more powers from Ottawa. "And then they can organize a second referendum, like we did," he added.

With files from The Canadian Press, CityNews and CBC News