Nenshi says referendum result shows Albertans are proud Canadians

Posted on October 29, 2026 by admin

By Patrick Wachter
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Official Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi says voters across Alberta sent a strong mandate for national unity following the province’s referendum.

“We heard a clear message from Albertans in every corner of this province: they are proud Canadians. Period,” Nenshi said.

Nenshi thanked volunteers, community groups and Indigenous leaders across the province who advocated for national unity leading up to the vote.

“No one has been more hurt by the mistakes of this country, and no one has been a stronger champion of Canada,” Nenshi said. “First Nations Chiefs and Councils, along with countless volunteers, have spoken up for Canada. They took the government to court, and they voted in numbers we have never seen before.”

Nenshi criticized Premier Danielle Smith, saying the government spent nearly $200 million of taxpayer funds on the referendum process while ignoring core voter concerns such as health care, education and the cost of living.

“Albertans know we are only in this situation because of Danielle Smith,” Nenshi said. “She changed the laws three times to help the separatists, and when that did not work, she gave them a referendum anyway.”

Nenshi says Opposition volunteers reached more than one million residents during the campaign, and says his party will focus on governance issues and public services moving forward.

“Albertans saved Canada. Today, we begin the fight to save Alberta,” Nenshi said.