Poilievre appoints Edmonton MP to lead party's pro-unity campaign ahead of Alberta separatism referendum

OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is appointing an Edmonton MP and military veteran to take charge of the party’s campaign to convince Albertans to vote to stay in Canada in an upcoming referendum.

The position was confirmed Sunday to Parkland MP Dane Lloyd in a letter from Poilievre obtained by National Post.

“In this role, you will work with me, our leadership team, and the Conservative Alberta Caucus to listen to Albertans, answer their concerns, and lead our work to keep Canada united through hope, respect and real change,” Poilievre wrote.

Lloyd, 35, is currently the Conservative party’s Alberta caucus chair. He was named national security adviser to the leader earlier this month, having previously served as critic for emergency preparedness.

He was first elected in a 2017 by-election, holding the seat after the resignation of former interim Conservative party leader Rona Ambrose. Prior to entering politics, he was a captain in the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve.

The letter instructs Lloyd to acknowledge Albertans’ “legitimate concerns and grievances” while making the case that a better deal is possible within Confederation.

“Our task is not to scold Albertans. It is to hear them,” Poilievre wrote.

He also directs Lloyd to remind Albertans that a Conservative government would repeal unpopular Liberal resource and gun control policies.

”This is not a zero-sum fight. What is good for Alberta is good for Canada. More pipelines, more homes, lower taxes, safer streets, stronger borders and more freedom will help workers and families in every province,” writes Poilievre.

“I know that your service to our country in the Armed Forces has given you the fortitude needed to help lead the Conservative response to this referendum,” wrote Poilievre.

Lloyd is one of 33 Conservative MPs representing Alberta in the House of Commons, where the party holds all but four of the province’s seats. He was one of the first to express his support for a united Canada after Poilievre announced in May that he and his caucus would be campaigning for the federalist side.

Some members of the party’s Alberta caucus have reportedly been reticent to express support for a united Canada, particularly those from rural parts of the province where separatism enjoys some of its strongest support.

The Alberta referendum will take place on Oct. 19. Albertans will vote on whether to remain in Canada or start the legal process required under the Constitution to hold a binding referendum on independence.

National Post rmohamed@postmedia.com

• Poilievre vows to speak to 'Albertans on both sides of this referendum'
• Poilievre says he'll be campaigning 'across Alberta' for Canadian unity

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