The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew confronted Alberta Premier Danielle Smith during a meeting of Western premiers, urging her to halt a referendum asking Alberta voters if they should remain in Canada. The Globe's Matthew Scace and Carrie Tait write that Mr. Kinew shared concerns from first nations leaders he met with prior to the gathering, highlighting that a challenge from them had previously blocked an attempt to initiate a referendum before Mr. Smith called for a vote. Mr. Kinew said: "Now is the time to work together. Why don't we hold off on this referendum talk for a year or two and see if we get these pipelines under construction?" The premiers' meeting took place shortly after Ms. Smith announced an October referendum for Alberta voters to decide between staying in Canada or pursuing a second binding referendum on separation. This plan has faced strong criticism from political leaders nationwide, including fellow premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney, who called the referendum undemocratic. A court earlier threw out a citizen-initiated petition for a separation referendum in part because the government did not consult with first nations about the question.