Panel Sparks Independence Debate

Two fierce Alberta independence rivals, Jeffrey Rath and Thomas Lukaszuk, are clashing over a controversial economic panel assessing Alberta’s potential breakaway — both accusing it of bias, despite Premier Danielle Smith insisting it’s objective. Rath, leading the Alberta Prosperity Project, sees the panel as validating his case, while Lukaszuk, head of Forever Canadian, brands it a “firewall signatory” group, citing figures like Ted Morton and Jack Mintz. Smith defends the panel’s neutrality, highlighting centrist credentials and fact-driven economists. Meanwhile, Lukaszuk’s campaign gains ground with grassroots efforts and rural support, even as Rath dismisses polls showing his movement lagging. Both men, though diametrically opposed, agree Smith’s handling of the issue is flawed — just from different angles. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/b605947c70c496c5