Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Faces Criticism at Edmonton Town Hall Amid Independence Calls and Battle River-Crowfoot Byelection

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith faced criticism and anger during a town hall in Edmonton where residents expressed frustration and argued that the only way for Alberta to secure a fair deal from the federal government is to leave the Canadian confederation. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has stated that Alberta should remain part of Canada regardless of circumstances, was met with opposition from several separatist groups in the province. In the context of an upcoming byelection in Battle River-Crowfoot, a group aims to field 200 candidates, more than double the 91 candidates in the Ottawa-Carleton byelection, reflecting heightened political activity and contention. Commentator Ezra Levant advised Premier Smith to assemble a "legal dream team" to navigate the complexities of potentially holding a referendum on Alberta's independence.