Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves‑Francois Blanchet says Alberta independence supporters must first show they are a distinct nation before taking lessons from Quebec’s sovereignty movement.Asked on Wednesday how Albertans eager to break away could get independence, Blanchet chuckled and warned that Quebec’s own unfinished independence offers more caution than guidance.“Our success so far, does not place me in a position to give them tips about what to do, but I could give them tips about what not to do,” said Blanchet.Blanchet said the bedrock of any independence bid is a clear national identity. .Quebec, he noted, leans on its French language and culture. Alberta, he suggested, will struggle if it leans mainly on its natural resource wealth.“The first idea is to define oneself as a nation,” said Blanchet. “It requires a culture of their own, and I am not certain that oil and gas qualify to define a culture.”.Blanchet added that Albertans have every right to pursue self‑determination. “But it's theirs to decide if they want to vindicate the right to self determination, I would never interfere in that. It belongs to them,” said Blanchet. “I would like us to be the first to do so, however.” The comments come as Premier Danielle Smith faces growing pressure from a grassroots petition calling for a referendum on whether the province should leave Canada.
