Bell: 'Don't vote angry' — Danielle Smith's message to Albertans on separatism

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal NewsNationalPoliticsOpinionColumnists Bell: 'Don't vote angry' — Danielle Smith's message to Albertans on separatism Premier Smith tells Albertans to not let the fact they're mad drive them out of Canada Author of the article: By Rick Bell Published Sep 22, 2026 4 minute read Join the conversation Premier Danielle Smith speaks to media at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. Brent Calver/Postmedia Article content Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks out. Article content She speaks out to Albertans about the Oct. 19 referendum where voters will decide whether or not to go down the road to a vote on Alberta leaving Canada. Article content Article content Smith is campaigning for Alberta to remain in Canada. Article content She has something to say to folks who are angry. Article content She also has something to say to those wanting to remain in Canada, something they can say to those they encounter who are choosing separatism because they are peeved off. Article content Article content “Sometimes Albertans will overcorrect when they’re mad,” says the premier. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “Sometimes they get a surprise outcome on the basis of just voting angry. I don’t want a surprise outcome on Oct. 19.” Article content Smith says it is important for Albertans to talk about why people in this province feel the way they do about how Ottawa has treated us. Article content “But on Oct. 19 we’ve got to come back together.” Article content Smith says she is working hard to keep Alberta conservatives together while many UCP supporters tell pollsters they want to vote to go down the path leading to a Yes or No vote on Alberta independence. Article content When the premier meets people wanting to go down the independence route, there are three responses to the question why. Article content There are those fully committed to Alberta independence. Article content There are those who think a big vote against the remain-in-Canada option will give Smith some leverage against Ottawa. Smith rejects this option. Article content The premier…