Poilievre urges Alberta separatists to 'lock arms' with fellow Canadians, fight Ottawa together

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Albertans frustrated with Ottawa to work alongside Canadians in other provinces rather than pursue separation.

In a speech to a Calgary crowd, Poilievre said those calling for Alberta to leave Canada are not upset with their fellow Canadians, but with federal government policies.

"Listen carefully to the concerns of those saying that they want to leave," he said. "They do not have a problem with fellow Canadians or even with Canada. They have a problem with the federal government."

Poilievre said Albertans have long called for policies that support resource development, pipeline construction, lower taxes, stronger criminal justice measures, greater respect for firearms owners, and increased provincial autonomy.

"We do not need a different country, Alberta. We need different government policies in Ottawa," he said.

The Conservative leader argued those priorities are shared by Canadians in other parts of the country and encouraged Albertans to "lock arms" with them to push for change.

He pointed to Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador as partners in expanding oil and gas production, while also highlighting common ground with workers concerned about carbon taxes, communities seeking tougher action on crime, and provinces looking for greater control over their own affairs.

Poilievre also argued provinces should have greater influence over immigration levels, saying provincial governments that provide housing and social services should have more control over the number of newcomers they receive.

"The answer is not to pull away from our friends in other provinces but to lock arms with them to make the changes we need," he said.

He concluded by describing cooperation between provinces as "the practical, realistic path to a stronger Alberta within a united Canada."

The comments come amid ongoing debate over Alberta's relationship with Ottawa and renewed discussion about separatism in the province. Poilievre has previously said he opposes Alberta leaving Canada and would campaign to keep the province in Confederation.