Alberta Group Releases Sovereignty Referendum Question Plans Vote

The Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), a group advocating for Alberta's independence from Canada, has unveiled a proposed referendum question: 'Do you agree that the Province of Alberta shall become a Sovereign Country and cease to be a province of Canada?' The APP claims to have gathered around 240,000 pledges in support, aiming for at least 600,000 signatures to trigger a citizen-led referendum, with a goal of 1 million to ensure a strong mandate. Premier Danielle Smith's United Conservative Party government is considering legislation to lower the threshold for such a referendum, but Smith herself supports Alberta sovereignty within Canada rather than outright separation. The movement has gained traction amid frustrations with the federal Liberal government, which has been re-elected for a fourth consecutive term, though First Nations leaders have opposed the separation efforts, citing treaty rights predating the province. The APP plans an extensive province-wide campaign to educate Albertans on the benefits of sovereignty and aims to hold a referendum potentially by 2026. While Smith does not support secession, she is willing to allow the democratic process to proceed, hoping to negotiate a better deal with Ottawa to maintain Alberta's place within Canada.