B.C. NDP Premier David Eby called on Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe to “push back strongly” against “any kind” of separatist sentiment in their respective provinces.
While speaking to reporters after engaging in a first ministers’ meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney and the other premiers, Eby blasted the sovereignty movement and criticized a B.C. Conservative MLA who shared a Western separatist map.
Eby said he welcomed Carney’s attempt to repair relations with the U.S. He also said that premiers all pleaded with Carney to introduce bail reform to address public safety concerns.
When asked about national unity, Western Canadian alienation, and equalization payments for the provinces, Eby said the idea of separating was “a non-starter.”
“I won’t speak for other premiers, but I’ll say that British Columbians are all in for Canada, and here in this province, we understand that this is the moment for all of us to stand strong together, arm in arm as a country,” Eby said.
“That doesn’t take anything away from our reasonable demands that the federal government ensure we have access to the same level of funding, the same opportunities that Quebec and Ontario get, and the same level of respect.”
He said the premiers of Saskatchewan and Alberta have “tricky waters” to navigate as their provinces have high levels of disgruntled Conservative voters after the recent federal election.
“But I certainly encourage them all, Premier Smith, Premier Moe, to and I believe that they’re on board for this, to work together for the good of the country, to hold the country together and to push back strongly on any kind of separatist sentiment,” he said. “To work together for the country’s good, to hold the country together and to push back strongly on any kind of separatist sentiment.”
He then aimed at Conservative MLA David Williams, who he accused of making a “dumb” move by sharing a Western separatist map.
“I didn’t hesitate to point out how dumb that was. I think he recognized how dumb it was he said he was texting while he was driving, which is also dumb,” Eby said.
”So, you know, take the moment to defend our country, take the moment to stand together, understanding that it can be more challenging in other jurisdictions, but this country needs to stick together right now, that’s what I stand for.”
Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich criticized Eby for sounding “a little dictatorial” and calling on the premiers to “crush” the Western independence movement rather than sit with them to understand their concerns.
“This is exactly the attitude that contributes to the sentiment behind this movement. Not a single word about sitting down and exploring why so many Western Canadians are feeling completely alienated,” Lich said. “Not a hint of having an open mind, finding common ground or working together to find solutions.”
She said Eby should be focused on his provinces out of control housing market and homelessness issue rather than criticizing Moe and Smith’s response.
“All of you have been elected (supposedly, wink wink) to listen to, and look after the needs of the people who put you in your positions. That’s called democracy,” she said on X. “Know your place. Criticizing other premiers for listening to their constituents while you have a dumpster fire at home is peak hypocrisy.