Win or lose, is Alberta separatism here to stay?

Premier Danielle Smith wants to “vote and move on” but is that even possible? For separatists like Mitch Sylvestre, this referendum on Alberta’s future might not be the end. With an unprecedented number of mail-in ballots requested, Sylvestre says he has cause to be suspicious if his side doesn’t get at least 40 per cent support. Host Kathleen Petty and CBC senior reporter Julia Wong look at the stakes and what could come after the vote. Plus, conservative strategist Michael Solberg and political science professor Clark Banack weigh in on the trouble brewing for Smith. Half of United Conservative Party supporters are considering a vote in favour of a second binding referendum on separation. Is Smith’s leadership on the line if they don’t get what they want? And how does a divided governing party move forward after this vote? Background listening: For more on the parallels between Alberta and a promised future referendum in Quebec, check out West of Centre’s interview last year with Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. Here’s the link: https://link.mgln.ai/RPeKzE Host: Kathleen Petty Guests: Julia Wong, Michael Solberg, Clark Banack Producers: Emily Senger, Emily Williams, Diane Yanko, Josh Pagé