As talk of Alberta separation continues to gain attention across Canada, Kenora—Kiiwetinoong’s Member of Parliament Eric Melillo says he supports a united country while acknowledging frustrations that have fuelled the movement in the West.
Just days after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced her government will be moving forward with a potential referendum on separatism later in the year, Melillo shared his thoughts with the Miner and News, offering a northwestern Ontario perspective on an issue that has increasingly become part of the national conversation.
“First and foremost, I of course support a united Canada, believe in a united Canada, and a strong Alberta within that united Canada,” Melillo told the Miner.
The discussion around Alberta separation has intensified to unparalleled levels in recent months, with some Albertans expressing dissatisfaction over federal policies and what they see as a lack of support for the province’s resource-based economy.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated he is keen on the idea of getting a new pipeline built, while Smith has herself said she would vote for Alberta to stay in Canada if and when push comes to shove.
Melillo, meanwhile, says he believes some of the concerns Westerners have are nonetheless legitimate.
“There are some legitimate frustrations that Alberta has,” he said, pointing to years of federal policies affecting energy development and resource industries across the country.
While emphasizing his support for Canadian unity, Melillo said the federal government should do more to address the issues driving discontent in Alberta and other parts of the country.
“I think it’s very important for the Prime Minister and for this government to also campaign heavily in favour of a united Canada and also to work to address the very legitimate grievances that Alberta has,” he said.
Melillo said a united Canada remains in the best interest of both Alberta and the country as a whole. He pointed to efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and strengthen economic ties between provinces as examples of the benefits of working together.
“Canada is better off remaining united. I believe Alberta is better off remaining a part of our confederation,” he said.
Looking ahead, Melillo said political leaders should continue making the case for a united Canada while addressing the concerns that have fuelled the latest separatist sentiment.
He also argued the federal government has not done enough to address growing regional divisions.
“I do not believe that the Prime Minister has done enough to keep Canada united,” he said. “It is the job of the Prime Minister, probably the most basic job, to keep our country united.”
Melillo expressed concern about growing separatist sentiment beyond Alberta, noting similar discussions have surfaced elsewhere in Canada.
With Alberta on the cusp of asking itself the big question, certain fires are also once again being stoked in Quebec, which last had an official referendum on whether or not to stay in the country in 1995.
“There is growing separatist discussion and movement in Canada, not just in Alberta,” he said. “So that is a great concern of mine.”
Alberta will ask its citizens whether to hold a referendum on Oct. 19, 2026.
By Pam Fedack, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jun 12, 2026 at 09:55
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