UCP MLA Jason Stephan openly rebelled against the Carney Liberals in the legislative chamber on Wednesday.Stephan (Red Deer-South) said in a question to Justice Minister Mickey Amery, "Ottawa is not the boss of Alberta. It is the bosses of this government and of Alberta who vote in referendums. To the minister, who are the bosses of Alberta?" "Albertans are the bosses of Alberta," responded Amery in part, noting the need for free and fair elections and citizen initiatives.Stephan continued, saying referendums give Albertans a voice if they are ignored by politicians and an ability to set priorities. Referendums are also a check and balance, he added. "And given referendums engage Albertans to participate in democratic processes, and given Alberta is the best, and referendums recognize Albertans are the boss of Alberta, to the minister, why are referendums very, very good for Alberta?" said Stephan..The UCP introduced Bill 54, the Election Statutes Amendment Act in April, lowering the threshold for citizen-led referendums to 10% of voters from the last election, down from 20% and extending signature collection to 120 days from 90.Premier Danielle Smith, who supports a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, said the bill enhances democratic participation, allowing citizens to propose referendums, including on independence if they choose.An Angus Reid poll from April 2025 shows 25% of Albertans support independence, with 75% opposed.Some First Nation leaders condemned Bill 54, arguing it disregards treaty rights and risks division. The Alberta NDP, led by Naheed Nenshi, called Smith a "separatist."Stephan recently announced his desire for a referendum on Alberta independence, highlighting growing frustration with federal policies.
