The separatists want a referendum? Premier Danielle Smith threw a monster back at them Thursday evening.

Albertans will vote in a government-ordered referendum on Oct. 19 this year, she announced in a speech to the province, the most consequential from any premier in many years.

Albertans will be asked if they agree with eliminating many provincial benefits to immigrants.

Most dramatically, the province will vote on a host of measures to strengthen Alberta, and challenge Ottawa, within Confederation.

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This is a clear attempt to win votes away from a separation referendum that could possibly be held the same day, if campaigners get enough signatures.

The provincial government, unlike private citizens, can order referendums and set the questions.

Hard-line separatists won’t be convinced by any of this, but many “leaners” could be satisfied with Smith’s demands and the chance to vote on them.

That’s the UCP calculation after months of ambiguity on separatism and growing criticism across the country.

Smith presents a vision of a much stronger Alberta, enabled by constitutional change negotiated in concert with........

© Calgary Herald