Alberta NDP says referendum could leave Premier Smith battling internal divisions
Alberta Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says Premier Danielle Smith has created an "impossible situation for herself" after foisting a divisive separatism debate upon the province.
In a vote Monday, Albertans emphatically rejected holding a binding referendum on separating from Canada.
Smith has said she supports the province staying in Canada.
Nenshi says Smith will have to face down anger and division from separatism supporters within her United Conservative Party while trying to rebuild trust with the majority of Albertans who rejected secession.
He says Smith did this to herself, and says "the person who starts the fire waives the right to call the fire department."
Jeff Rath of the separatist group the Alberta Prosperity Project says Smith will face a reckoning within the UCP for her referendum.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Quebec opposition parties want Parti Québécois to take note of Alberta referendum
Two opposition leaders in Quebec are urging the incoming Parti Québécois government to take note of Monday night's referendum results in Alberta.
About three-quarters of Albertans voted for the province to remain in Canada, rejecting a proposal for a future referendum on separation.
However, they also voted for their province to negotiate for changes to the Constitution to secure more powers from the federal government.
Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime says Quebecers must align themselves with Alberta to to secure a balance of power in the federation.
He is also urging PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon to drop his promise to hold a referendum on independence.
Liberal Leader Charles Milliard made the same request, but did not comment on Alberta's desires for more powers.
— With files from Patrice Bergeron in Quebec City
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Major projects bill would put decades of labour stability at risk: union leader
The president of the Canadian Labour Congress says proposed amendments to Canada's labour code outlined in Bill C-39 could put decades of labour stability at risk.
The 243-page bill seeks to fast-track approvals for major projects, cut their review times and create zones of "national interest" to pre-approve certain types of projects.
The bill also proposes changes to Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to state that a minister can order a business under federal jurisdiction to resume operations, or put parties into binding arbitration.
Labour Congress president Bea Bruske told a House of Commons committee today those proposed new powers effectively eliminate the right to strike.
Canadian Union of Public Employees national president Mark Hancock told the committee that when companies know the government will bail them out during a strike, they won't put their best offer forward in contract negotiations.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said Monday the bill strengthens the right to strike by removing the ability to use Section 107 before a labour disruption, adding that the government has the responsibility to act during an "exceptionally consequential" dispute.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
By Catherine Morrison | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.