OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has appointed Alberta MP Dane Lloyd to lead the party’s efforts ahead of a possible Alberta referendum, saying Conservatives will make the case for “a stronger Alberta within a united Canada.”
In a letter released Sunday, Poilievre named Lloyd, the MP for Parkland, as the party’s Alberta Referendum Lead.
Poilievre said Lloyd will work with the Conservative leadership and the party’s Alberta caucus to engage with Albertans, respond to their concerns and promote national unity.
The Conservative leader said Albertans have legitimate grievances with the federal government, arguing Liberal policies have harmed Alberta’s energy sector, increased taxes and undermined provincial authority.
Poilievre said his party’s response would focus on repealing what he described as anti-energy legislation, restoring provincial jurisdiction, lowering taxes, expanding housing construction and supporting resource development.
He also pledged to strengthen border security, improve public safety and protect licensed firearms owners.
Poilievre said the solution is not for Alberta to separate from Canada, but for Canadians to work together to address concerns in the province.
“The answer is not for Albertans to pull away from Canadians. It is for Canadians to lock arms with Albertans,” he wrote.
Lloyd, who also serves as chair of the Conservative Alberta caucus, was praised by Poilievre for his military service and his understanding of Alberta’s priorities.
The appointment comes as Alberta’s political future and the prospect of a provincial referendum continue to generate debate over the province’s relationship with Ottawa.
Comments