Alberta premier, back in house for legislature sitting, defends separation referendum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservatives are back in the legislature for the first time since the separation referendum, and Smith is dismissing suggestions it was a waste.

Smith, in question period, says the vote sent a clear message and that there is always value in democratic exercises.

She was responding to Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, who asked her if she had any regrets calling the vote.

Nenshi says the referendum served only to pit Albertans against each other in a pointless, expensive waste of time.