Alberta separatism is the subject and the Premiers’ Conference in Manitoba just gave it a flashpoint. Danielle Smith and Wab Kinew had an exchange that nobody in the room expected.

The court ruling that killed the separatist petition hinges on the constitutional duty to consult First Nations. Alberta is challenging that ruling in court. Kinew’s message to Smith at the conference: stop fighting First Nations in court and start talking to them. Smith did not see it coming.

Meanwhile Mark Carney flew to New York to tell American investors that a stronger Canada is a better trading partner, days after telling Canadians that Canada does not need the United States economically. The US Ambassador applauded the New York line. Canadians are still working out what they heard.

Topics: Alberta separatism, Danielle Smith, Wab Kinew, Mark Carney, Canadian politics

GUEST: Rob Breakenridge | robbreakenridge.ca

Originally aired on2026-05-28