What do Albertans think of prospect of separation referendum? [Video]

Row after row of Canadian flags fly high atop tall poles over manicured lawns in a southern Alberta town that’s also home to the province’s premier, her husband and their dog.

Kathleen Sokvitne has lived on the street in High River, Alta., about 60 kilometres south of Calgary, for 30 years.

She says those flags show that not all Albertans agree with renewed efforts to secede from the country.

“Suggestions that the number of people wanting to separate is growing worries me,” said Sokvitne, standing on her driveway.

Sokvitne said statements by Premier Danielle Smith, as well as her government’s introduction of a bill making it easier for citizens to trigger referendums, enable separatists. Smith has said those wanting to separate are frustrated with Ottawa and “are not fringe voices.”

“She is manipulating the people of this province into believing that we should seriously look at separating,” Sokvitne said. “It …