Alberta premier promises separation referendum in 2026 if petition signatures warrant

Alberta's premier says a growing number of Albertans are unhappy with Confederation, and she told an online address she will hold a referendum on provincial separation next year if citizens gather the required signatures on a petition.

Danielle Smith says Alberta has no choice but to take steps to combat a decade of hostile federal Liberal policies. Smith says she will also chair what she's now calling an Alberta Next panel, hosting a series of town halls to hear ideas and grievances from Albertans. Alberta N-D-P Leader Naheed Nenshi says Smith is coddling people who want to tear Canada apart at a time when it'ls under threat from the United States.