Poilievre says Conservatives stand for national unity amid Alberta separation push

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said his caucus is federalist and opposes Alberta separatism, while the group Stay Free Alberta is seeking nearly 178,000 signatures by May to trigger a referendum.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said his party will fight for a united Canada as a movement in Alberta pushes for separation. He told reporters the Conservative caucus is entirely federalist and that no member of his team has expressed support for Alberta separatism. The group Stay Free Alberta is seeking nearly 178,000 signatures by May to prompt a referendum on Alberta becoming a country. Key points: - Poilievre described the Conservative caucus as federalist and said he has not had an MP on his team express support for Alberta separatism. - Stay Free Alberta needs about 178,000 signatures and has until May to submit them for a referendum process. - Provinces cannot unilaterally separate; a successful referendum would lead to negotiations involving the province, the federal government and First Nations groups. Summary: Poilievre's comments underline the Conservative Party's public federalist position as a separatist campaign gathers signatures in Alberta. The immediate next step is the signature drive through May; broader legal and negotiation outcomes are undetermined at this time.