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Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen provided an update on the Ivor Strong Bridge Deerfoot Trail Improvements on July 21, 2026. (Image Credit: Government of Alberta - YouTube)
By Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press (With files from rdnewsNOW)
Provincial Politics

Alberta minister skirts questions about separation vote, says it’s an important topic

Jul 21, 2026 | 1:11 PM

A senior member of Premier Danielle Smith’s government is again skirting questions about how he’ll vote in Alberta’s upcoming referendum on whether the province should remain in Canada.

Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen was asked repeatedly Tuesday whether he’d vote for Alberta to stay or vote to hold a second referendum on quitting Canada.

He responded by saying that it’s an important topic and that Albertans should have their voices heard.

Dreeshen has previously declined to say how he will cast his vote in the Oct. 19 referendum.

The premier and many members of her cabinet have publicly endorsed staying in Canada.

Smith has said she doesn’t police personal views but that the official position of her United Conservative government and party is that Alberta should remain in Confederation.

Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Official Opposition of Alberta, issued a statement in response on Tuesday, saying, “Yet again, Devin Dreeshen refuses to say where he stands on remaining in Canada.  

 “Many other UCP MLAs and Ministers are also ducking the question. It’s clear that there are separatists in the UCP government. 

 “Every Alberta NDP MLA signed a pledge saying they would fight to stay in Canada. Not one UCP MLA has done the same. 

 “Danielle Smith put this national unity crisis question forward. She must come clean with Albertans, right now, about how many of her MLAs are separatists.” 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2026.

(With files from rdnewsNOW)

by Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press (With files from rdnewsNOW)