Danielle Smith says Albertans gave her a 'clear mandate' in the referendum

Nearly 24 hours after a majority of Albertans decided to remain in Canada, Premier Danielle Smith hit the airwaves to speak directly to Albertans. She says her government has been given a clear mandate. Alberta will remain a province of Canada. Albertans will continue to be Canadians. Smith says it's time to move forward, but she says there are more battles ahead to change immigration policies and the constitution changes she says now endorsed by Albertans. It appears that Albertans have directed the provincial government to take greater control over immigration. They have given us direction to ensure temporary residents pay a portion of the cost of public services used by themselves and their families. The referendum saw three-quarters of Albertans vote to remain in Canada while nearly half a million others voted for option two. Smith had a direct message to those who wanted a binding referendum on separation. I've listened to so many of your stories. Those stories have touched my heart and I want you to know I see and understand you. You need to know that your voices have been heard not just by our government but also by your fellow Albertans and your fellow Canadians. This was all a political game. Alberta's opposition leader in a post before the premier's address still seething over the government's decision to hold the referendum. So the premier's got a choice now. She can beat her chest and claim victory, she can double down on her culture war garbage, or she can pivot and try to be the premier for all Albertans. I know which one I'm betting on. A former Conservative MP who lobbied for Albertans to vote to stay in Canada says the premier's message was refreshing. She correctly identified that Albertans wanted to move on. She did reach out to the separatists and made it clear that she's the premier for all Albertans. But he says the premier missed an opportunity to focus on other, more pressing issues. It was about getting down to good governance and addressing the issues that people are concerned about today. Cost of living, health care, housing. Those who campaigned for an independent Alberta have a response for the premier, who says it's time to move on from the issue. There's no way it's going to silence the conversation. It might go on the back burner for a little bit, I'm not sure, we'll see. But it's not done. Daniel Smith also said for the second time, as long as she's premier, she will not hold another referendum on the issue of Alberta separation. Brian Labby, CBC News, Calgary.