Alberta Plans Referendum on Separation From Canada Next Year

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced plans to form a panel to negotiate with the Canadian government to remove federal laws restricting provincial energy production and to seek agreements for energy transportation corridors to international markets. Smith also stated that a provincial referendum may be held next year, where, if enough citizens collect the required signatures, a question on Alberta's separation from Canada could appear on the ballot. While Smith herself does not support separation, she emphasized her government's respect for the democratic process, allowing citizens to trigger a vote on the issue through petition. The move is part of a broader effort to push back against federal policies that Alberta's government sees as harmful to provincial interests, particularly in the energy sector. These developments underscore growing political tensions between Alberta and Ottawa over resource management and environmental regulations.