Braid: Carney steps up as pro-Canada champion in face of Smith's muddled federalism

The best campaigner for Canada in the Oct. 19 referendum won’t be a premier who claims to be federalist.

Danielle Smith is too trapped by the separatists in her UCP and her caucus. She’s propelled by the burning need to keep the party together and deny victory to the NDP.

The most federalists can expect is Smith’s personal promise to vote against leaving Canada. Mildly, she urges Albertans to do the same.

But cheerleading? Real passion for Canada? Bows to the greatness of this incredible country? Full-throated praise for Ottawa’s many policy reversals in Alberta’s favour?

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A referendum publicity campaign launched Friday seeks backing for the nine UCP immigration and constitutional questions.

On the big issue — separation — they urge support for sovereignty within a united Canada, but give no direction on voting against a full referendum later.

It’s always possible that in the weeks before Oct. 19 she will finally launch a campaign for Canada.

Ideally, this would come alongside a serious government push to support the federalist cause.

Federalist Albertans — literally millions of us — would be ecstatic. Smith’s voice matters in this province.

The premier would risk civil war in her party, but at least she would stand firm for the federalist cause she professes to favour.

Transportation Minister Deven Dreeshen, who once sported a red Make America Great Again cap, rolls out big signs for the borders, reading “Welcome to Alberta, Strong and Free.”

In normal times, that would be unremarkable. Today, almost everything has double meaning. Those signs can look like a welcome to a new nation. Very pleasing to the separatists.