Separatist petition draws support and criticism in Calgary

People lined up in Calgary to sign a separatist petition; Premier Danielle Smith defended the petition as a democratic expression while former mayor Naheed Nenshi said Smith is 'playing both sides.'

People gathered in Calgary to sign a separatist petition, drawing both supporters and critics. The petition event has highlighted divisions in Alberta politics and prompted public comments from political figures. Jeffrey Rath, a lawyer for the Alberta Prosperity Project, described a vision of a free Alberta without income tax and said unnamed U.S. officials called the idea a "non-starter." Premier Danielle Smith defended the petition as a way for people to exercise their democratic rights and said she seeks a "sovereign Alberta within a united Canada." Key details: - People lined up in Calgary to sign a separatist petition, prompting public attention. - Jeffrey Rath, lawyer for the Alberta Prosperity Project, said his vision includes no income tax and reported that unnamed U.S. officials termed the idea a "non-starter." - Rath also spoke about freeing Alberta oil from what he described as control by "the communist Chinese domination of Ottawa," according to the report. - Premier Danielle Smith said she is forging a new relationship with Canada, cited a memorandum of understanding on energy issues, and defended the petition as democratic expression. - Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi said Smith is "playing both sides," accusing her of trying to appeal to separatists while also saying she stands with non-separatists. Summary: The petition event in Calgary has generated both support and criticism and brought political divisions into public view. Undetermined at this time.