West Yellowhead MLA Martin Long says he does not support Alberta’s separation from Canada.

Long, who was appointed as Alberta’s Minister of Infrastructure last February, explained his position during a brief interview with The Jasper Local on Thursday, March 5.

“What I’ve said is I support a strong Alberta in a united Canada,” Long said in between Franco-Alberta flag-raising duties and announcing his government’s support for Jasper’s 40-unit Below Market Housing Development. 

The six-year MLA was making the housing announcement in Jasper alongside Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland, federal Liberal MP, Eleanor Olszewski—the recently-named ministerial lead for Jasper’s recovery—and Parks Canada’s Senior Vice-President of Operations, Andrew Campbell. Long noted that Olszewski’s party leader, Prime Minister Mark Carney, was making positive strides for the country, including striking a Memorandum of Understanding on energy and the economy with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Long, who is originally from Nova Scotia, said he is aware that both progressive organizers and right-leaning groups have pegged him as being in favour of a sovereign Alberta. 

“That’s the problem with being a moderate,” he said. “You get it from both sides.”

And although Long voted in favour of Bill 14, the Amendments to Provincial Electoral Legislation Act, which critics have suggested makes it easier for the Alberta Prosperity Project’s independence petition to succeed, he was adamant that he has not signed up for the cause.

“I have not signed any petition,” Long said. 

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com