Quebec and Alberta separatists diverge on motivations and goals

Quebec sovereigntists are distancing themselves from Alberta separatists ahead of Monday's referendum on whether Alberta should begin the legal process toward independence. They view the movements as fundamentally different in motivation and goals. Quebec nationalists say Alberta's push is economic leverage and conservative libertarianism, not a cultural or linguistic struggle like Quebec's. They note Alberta Premier Danielle Smith opposes secession, while Quebec's new PQ government has promised a third independence referendum. Despite differences, Quebec sovereigntists support Alberta's democratic right to self-determination and say they would back an Alberta yes vote against Ottawa. Polls show under 25 per cent support for Alberta independence, compared to Quebec's near-even split in 1995.