The Current Ask Me Anything: Jason Kenney on Alberta Separatism
Feb 9, 2026
Jason Kenney, former Alberta premier and federal cabinet minister, discusses Western alienation and the historical roots of separatist sentiment. He talks about changes to referendum and recall laws and their risks. He warns how separatist talk affects investment and argues federal sympathy could soothe tensions. He highlights Alberta's economic role and the need for national empathy.
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Historical Roots Of Western Alienation
- Western alienation in Alberta has deep historical roots tied to resource control and economic treatment by central Canada.
- Jason Kenney links that long-standing grievance to renewed separatist energy today.
Referendum Rules Matter
- Kenney argues higher thresholds for citizen initiatives were meant to prevent a small minority from dominating provincial politics.
- He says lowering those thresholds invited a divisive separatist leverage campaign.
De-Escalate Politics And Use Recall Sparingly
- Disagree without being disagreeable and focus on policy over personality to reduce polarization.
- Use recall only for serious misconduct, not to relitigate election results frequently.