Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, speaking to reporters in the wake of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet appointments, took a strong stance against Alberta independence. Poilievre lost his Carleton seat of more than 20 years after the April 28 vote, a double loss for the Tory leader on election night. However, he has since announced his intention to run in a Battle River—Crowfoot, AB, federal by-election. A date is yet to be determined. .LIVE BLOG: Carney appoints new Cabinet.A reporter on Tuesday asked Poilievre if he would be willing to “publicly denounce Alberta separatism and the possible referendum on Alberta independence next year.”“Look, I'm against separation,” replied Poilievre.“I’m a born and raised Albertan. I love Canada. I think we need to unite this country.”.A snapshot of Carney’s new cabinet, secretaries of state.Poilievre remarked “Albertans have a lot of legitimate grievances."“Canada's biggest industry, which happens to be largely situated in Alberta, has been under attack for the last decade," said Poilievre. “Frankly, Albertans have a right to be frustrated.”“I think the message to the government in Ottawa, the Liberal government, is you can't tell Alberta to just pay up and shut up.""Albertans want to be part of the united Canada, but they deserve to be treated with respect, and they deserve to be honored for the immense contribution that they make to this country.”
