Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre is bringing his message of Canadian unity to Alberta next week, delivering a keynote address at a major gathering of conservative political figures just days before the province's upcoming referendum.
Poilievre will speak at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Calgary on October 16, where he is scheduled to discuss what he frames as critical issues facing the nation. His keynote, titled "The Canadian Drift: Reclaiming Confidence, Abundance and Freedom for Alberta," will set the tone for a day of high-profile political discussion at the event.
The timing is significant: Parliament will be in recess following the Thanksgiving weekend break, giving Poilievre an opportunity to campaign directly in the province ahead of the referendum vote.
Alberta's political heavyweights to gather
Premier Danielle Smith will also address the conference, appearing alongside columnist Rick Bell for a fireside chat. Former Premier Jason Kenney, a vocal opponent of separation, is scheduled to participate in a debate and discussion panel focused on "The Sovereignty Vote and the Path Forward."
The panel will include Calgary Confederation candidate Elan Harper, law professor and Fraser Institute fellow Bruce Pardy, and Derek Fildebrandt, former MLA and publisher of the Western Standard.
"We encourage all Canadians of all parties to join in uniting all Canadians to make ourselves safe, affordable, and fully independent here at home," Poilievre said during a press conference in Burlington, Ontario, on Friday.
Poilievre dismisses external interference
When pressed about tech industrialist Elon Musk's recent comments suggesting Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec should separate, Poilievre downplayed the significance of external voices in Canada's constitutional debate.
"Canadians control their own destiny. Frankly, people can tweet whatever they want, but tweets and memes do not affect Canada. What affects Canada is the decisions made by the Canadian people," Poilievre said.
Musk's comments have drawn little reaction from provincial leaders. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have largely dismissed the remarks, while Quebec's new premier has indicated he will not pursue separation while U.S. President Donald Trump remains in office.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the matter Thursday in Sherbrooke, Quebec, reaffirming that Canada's future will be decided by Canadians themselves.
Musk's Canadian connections
Despite his international prominence, Musk maintains Canadian citizenship and has roots in the country. His mother was born and raised in Saskatchewan, and Musk himself spent formative years working on a family farm in the province during his teenage years. He has lived in various parts of Canada throughout his life.
Poilievre indicated he plans to conduct additional ground campaigning in Alberta beyond his Calgary conference appearance, signalling the Conservative Party's focus on the province as a key battleground heading into the referendum.
This article is based on reporting from Global Calgary.