'We're Canadians': Some Albertans divided about separation in cross-province checkup

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 is just ludicrous. Not all of us think like that. I absolutely disagree."

After speaking to a number of residents across Alberta — from High River in the south to Edmonton in the north — opinions on separatism are just as diverse as the province itself.

Some Albertans are frustrated with Ottawa, and a small margin wants to secede. Others argue that separation would be reckless.

Just a few blocks away from Sokvitne's home, musician Richard Engler sips coffee with his friends outside a local diner, as he said he agreed with Smith.

The premier has said she doesn't support separating from Canada, but that Albertans have genuine grievances with the federal government.

"Deep down, though, we're Canadians," said Engler, 76.

Engler said the frustration stems from historical and current grievances some people, including his own family, have against Ottawa.

"Western Canadians have been penalized for living out here," he said. "We need our jobs…we need the infrastructure and we need the energy corridors to be able to do all that."

North of High River in downtown Okotoks, a bedroom community of Calgary, the owner of a cellphone repair shop says those grievances can be resolved through conversations.