Portrait of Stephen Harper
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Stephen Harper on Alberta Separation

Firm opponent of separation (strong)

TL;DR

Stephen Harper explicitly stated he has not signed any petition supporting a referendum on Alberta leaving Canada.

Key Points

  • He stated he has not signed a petition pushing for an Alberta separation referendum as of February 2026.

  • He called on the Liberal and Conservative parties to unite against separatist movements threatening national unity.

  • He mentioned that a prominent separatist figure he spoke with agreed with his sentiment about sticking together due to international pressures.

Summary

Stephen Harper has publicly distanced himself from any organized effort toward Alberta separation, specifically stating he did not sign a petition seeking a referendum on the matter while speaking alongside former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien in February 2026. He emphasized the need for national unity, particularly in the face of external threats and rising nationalism, urging political parties to prioritize preserving the country over ideological differences. He remarked that if the federal government manages the country correctly, there is no reason Canada cannot remain united, suggesting that this unity is worth making sacrifices for.

In addition to denying involvement in the petition, Harper implicitly cautioned against separatist movements by noting a conversation he had with a prominent separatist figure, where he stated, "This is the reason we have to stick together," receiving an affirmative response. He advocated for Canadians to feel deep national pride, viewing the preservation of Canada as a foundational duty handed down by ancestors. This stance aligns with his general political focus on national cohesion and asserting Canadian sovereignty against foreign disruption, which he views as a more immediate concern than domestic political tangents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stephen Harper is opposed to Alberta separation and actively speaks out in favour of national unity. He publicly confirmed he had not signed any petition seeking a referendum on the province leaving Canada as of early 2026.

His most recent statements firmly place him against separation, aligning with his historical emphasis on national unity during his tenure as Prime Minister. He strongly advocated for holding the country together in a public discussion in 2026.

During a panel discussion, Stephen Harper directly replied that he 'didn't sign the petition' when the topic of the Alberta separation referendum was raised. He also noted that he was informed no members of the Conservative party had signed it.