Oct 21, 2026 1:09 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has ruled out holding another referendum on separation, telling residents she will respect the province’s latest decision.
In an address to Albertans last night, Smith said that as long as she remains premier, she will fully respect the outcome of the recent referendum and will not hold another vote on the issue.
However, she made it clear that her political battle with Ottawa over Alberta’s autonomy will continue, despite the separation process being put on hold.
Other referendum proposals, including demands for greater provincial control over immigration and the appointment of provincial judges, received public support. Smith said her government would use these results to negotiate better terms and greater rights for Alberta under the Canadian Constitution with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government.
Smith said Alberta would use every available legal and political tool to protect its interests and promote its development. She warned that the province would respond firmly whenever Ottawa interferes with its rights.
However, she stressed that these issues would be addressed within Canada’s political and legal framework rather than through separation.
At the end of her speech, Smith urged Albertans not to lose hope and called on them to remain united.
