Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Alberta deputy premier, claims the United Conservative Party (UCP) is determined to hold a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada, despite many petition signatories opposing such a move. He argues that this political maneuvering is more about Premier Danielle Smith's survival than the interests of Albertans, warning of potential economic and social divisions.

• 01Lukaszuk asserts that most signatories of the Forever Canadian petition oppose a separation referendum, expressing confusion over its necessity.
• 02Premier Danielle Smith's government inadvertently issued a press release about the referendum while committee discussions were still ongoing.
• 03The proposed Forever Canadian question is viewed as inadequate by separatists and does not meet constitutional requirements.
• 04Lukaszuk warns that a referendum could exacerbate divisions within Alberta, impacting social relations and the economy.
• 05The UCP's political strategy is seen as a desperate attempt to appease both separatists and the general public without a clear ideological stance.

The push for a separation referendum could lead to increased social division and economic instability in Alberta.