Albertans Demand Clear Stance on Independence

0:00It's May 2. From your city to your ears, this is Canada News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. A new poll from CBC News shows 67% of Albertans want their provincial party leaders to straight up declare how they'll vote if theirs. A referendum on Alberta breaking away from Canada. Support for full independence, it's stuck flat at 27% with most folks against it. Mayor Danielle Smith says Alberta should stay in Canada, but push hard for more sovereignty inside the country. That stance has separatists like lawyer Jeffrey Rath firing back, telling her to either lead the charge or stay silent, not cheer for staying united. Every day Albertans are weighing in too. Folks like Natalie Tom and Calgary say, leaders need to go all in pro-Canada, no waffling, especially with rising costs hitting paychecks. Waffling voters, NDP fans and Smith skeptics are the loudest calling for clear positions, up to 88% in some groups.

1:01Experts see Smith walking a tightrope. Polster, Janet Brown, note separatists feel she promised the vote to win her party's leadership back in 2022, so she's kind of locked in. Political scientist Duane Brett, at she hasn't fully picked aside yet, and a campaign might force her hand. The premier's team insists their position is crystal clear, Alberta stays in Canada. But with this poll pressure building, expect more drama as the independence talk heats up across the province.