Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney is urging Albertans to vote in large numbers in the Oct. 19 referendum, warning that low turnout could help separatists.
Kenney said voters who support staying in Canada could become too confident because polls suggest most Albertans oppose separation.
A Research Co. poll conducted Aug. 24-26 found 74 per cent of respondents would vote against the province’s proposed separation question.
The referendum asks Albertans whether the province should begin the legal process to hold a future binding vote on leaving Canada.
“If turnout is 40 per cent or below, I think they could actually win,” Kenney said in an interview with host Vassy Kapelos.
He argued that committed separatists are more likely to vote, while some supporters of staying in Canada may stay home, believing the result is already decided. He also warned that long voting lines could discourage voters in larger population centres, where support for remaining in Canada is stronger.
Premier Danielle Smith has said she supports Alberta staying in Canada but has faced criticism for not actively campaigning for that outcome.
Kenney said a strong result for the federalist side is needed to put the separation debate to rest. He warned that some separatist supporters may reject the results and continue their campaign regardless of the outcome.
He also criticized hardline separatists, saying their movement reflects broader anger over issues such as immigration, globalization, vaccines and government institutions.
