It would be quite a lurch for Danielle Smith to go from celebrating a major win-win for Alberta and Canada to then unleashing a referendum on breaking up the country.

It would be problematic, too, given the necessary consultations with First Nations if this new pipeline project is to proceed. Disregarding a court ruling aimed at protecting treaty rights could complicate those efforts, to say the least.

The premier previously said she did not intend to be the one to put separation on the ballot, since, as she put it, “My position is we should remain in Canada. That’s the position of our government.” And, in fairness, her pursuit of an energy agreement with Ottawa has helped to bolster that position.

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Smith hasn’t necessarily changed her mind here, but she seems less unequivocal in the face of last week’s court ruling, which halts the separatist petition effort.

If the petition can’t be the spark for a referendum, it’s clear the separatists see the premier as their backup plan. And, so far, she’s not closing the door on that........

© Calgary Herald