The premier’s remarks follow the United Conservative government’s recent tabling of legislation that would significantly lower the threshold for triggering a provincial referendum. Under current rules, a petition would require signatures from 10 per cent of eligible voters in the last provincial election—around 177,000 people—within a four-month period. If the proposed bill passes, the requirement could become more attainable for grassroots movements pushing for a vote on Alberta’s future.
Smith blamed what she called a decade of damaging federal Liberal policies for inflaming western alienation, accusing Ottawa of siphoning Alberta’s wealth while imposing regulations that have weakened its oil and gas sector. She argued that Alberta has “no choice” but to assert greater control over its destiny, stating that she will continue negotiations with the federal government to roll back or opt out of certain federal programs and regulations.
In addition to those negotiations, Smith announced she will hold a series of town hall meetings across the province to listen to Albertans’ concerns and gather input on what future referendum questions might include. “These voices are not extremists,” she said. “They are hard-working Albertans who want fairness and respect.”
Smith’s comments add to rising tensions between Alberta and Ottawa, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new Liberal minority government seeks to balance national unity with mounting regional demands. A formal referendum campaign could further strain federal-provincial relations and test the political climate heading into 2026.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she is prepared to hold a referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada in 2026—if Albertans gather enough signatures to meet a reduced petition threshold introduced by her government last week. In a livestreamed address, Smith emphasized that while her preference remains a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, the growing discontent with Confederation must not be dismissed as fringe sentiment.
The premier’s remarks follow the United Conservative government’s recent tabling of legislation that would significantly lower the threshold for triggering a provincial referendum. Under current rules, a petition would require signatures from 10 per cent of eligible voters in the last provincial election—around 177,000 people—within a four-month period. If the proposed bill passes, the requirement could become more attainable for grassroots movements pushing for a vote on Alberta’s future.
Smith blamed what she called a decade of damaging federal Liberal policies for inflaming western alienation, accusing Ottawa of siphoning Alberta’s wealth while imposing regulations that have weakened its oil and gas sector. She argued that Alberta has “no choice” but to assert greater control over its destiny, stating that she will continue negotiations with the federal government to roll back or opt out of certain federal programs and regulations.
In addition to those negotiations, Smith announced she will hold a series of town hall meetings across the province to listen to Albertans’ concerns and gather input on what future referendum questions might include. “These voices are not extremists,” she said. “They are hard-working Albertans who want fairness and respect.”
Smith’s comments add to rising tensions between Alberta and Ottawa, as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new Liberal minority government seeks to balance national unity with mounting regional demands. A formal referendum campaign could further strain federal-provincial relations and test the political climate heading into 2026.