Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called on Alberta to pause the October separation referendum.

Summary

On June 4, 2026, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew publicly urged Premier Danielle Smith to pause Alberta's October separation referendum and said he supports Treaty 8 chiefs in their fight against it. Speaking in Winnipeg, Kinew said there is no need for a separation referendum. He had earlier contradicted Smith's position on the duty to consult at the Western Premiers' Conference, saying the obligation rests with the provincial government rather than with petition signatories. Kinew's call adds a sitting premier's voice to First Nations opposition, but Alberta's referendum date remains set for October 19, 2026 unless Smith changes course.

Evidence

• Kinew told reporters in Winnipeg on June 4, 2026 that Smith should pause the referendum and that he supports the Treaty 8 chiefs, saying there is no need for a separation referendum.

  Global News (First Nations and civil disobedience)

• The Canadian Press reported Kinew said he supports the Treaty 8 chiefs in their fight and that there is no need for a separation referendum.

  The Canadian Press (Kinew supports Treaty 8 chiefs)

• Treaty 8's June open letter noted Kinew directly contradicted Smith's characterization of the duty to consult at the Western Premiers' Conference on May 26, 2026.

  Treaty 8 First Nations (formal objection)

Related claims

• Alberta can call an independence referendum without consulting First Nations.False
• Alberta's October 2026 referendum Question 10 does not trigger a duty to consult First Nations.Contested
• Treaty 8 chiefs have said civil disobedience may be used to stop Alberta's October separation referendum.True