Alberta to Hold Referendum on Whether to Pursue Separation Vote

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced late Thursday that the province will hold a referendum later this year on whether to begin the legal process for a separation vote from Canada. The ballot question will ask voters whether Alberta should remain a province or whether the government should start the constitutional process for a binding referendum on separation.

Smith stated she personally opposes separation but rejected a court ruling that blocked an earlier petition due to lack of consultation with Indigenous groups. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking to reporters on Friday, did not mention the October referendum.

He said Alberta is at the centre of federal plans and highlighted recent agreements signed in Calgary, including efforts to fast-track an oil pipeline.

A court blocked a petition by the group Stay Free Alberta, which reported more than 300,000 signatures, citing insufficient consultation with Indigenous communities. A competing petition by Forever Canada has gathered more than 400,000 signatures in support of remaining in Canada.

Smith said her government will respect the results of the October 19 referendum and other questions on the ballot. It remains unclear whether the separation referendum can proceed while the judicial block stands.

Leader Pierre Poilievre said he would campaign across Alberta to encourage residents to remain part of Canada. Liberal MP Corey Hogan criticized Smith for proceeding with the referendum, saying it would divide the province and create confusion. Smith credited Carney with adopting several Alberta positions on energy development and noted an Alberta-Ottawa energy agreement.

She said differences with the federal government remain but described relations as improved compared with the previous administration.