Indigenous chiefs accuse Premier Danielle Smith of stoking Alberta separatism talk [Video]

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is deflecting accusations that she’s stoking the fires of separatism, despite her government moving to lower the bar for holding a referendum.

Earlier this week, Smith’s government proposed legislation that would make it easier for citizens to call for a vote to secede from Canada, drawing heated condemnation from Indigenous leaders who warn it would violate treaties.

A vocal set of right-wing supporters are pushing for an Alberta exit following the federal Liberals’ election win Monday.

Smith told reporters Thursday that she won’t presuppose what questions Albertans might bring to a ballot.

“I’m not going to prejudge what citizens are going to do for a petition,” Smith said.

Asked if she would acknowledge that she has opened the door for separatism to gain ground in the province, Smith pointed to recent polling that pegged support at 25 per cent, or 30 per cent with a federal Liberal election win.

“That …