Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Opens Door to 2026 Separation Referendum After Citizen Petition Threshold Met Amid Rising Support

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Updated May 10, 2025, 09:19 PM

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has confirmed that the province could hold a referendum on separation as early as 2026, provided a citizen petition reaches the required threshold. This move has intensified a national political debate on Alberta's separatist movement, which has gained momentum amid growing dissatisfaction with federal policies, particularly regarding oil and gas investments and equalization payments. Polls indicate that support for Alberta remaining in Canada is waning, with some surveys showing only 52% of Albertans definitely wanting to stay and a majority of United Conservative Party voters favoring separation. Smith has stated she does not personally support Alberta leaving Confederation and would not lead the referendum, but she has lowered the threshold for citizen-initiated referenda, effectively opening the door for a potential independence vote. The separatist push has drawn criticism from other provincial leaders, including British Columbia Premier David Eby, who urged Alberta and Saskatchewan premiers to oppose separatist sentiments. Mayors of Calgary and Edmonton have labeled the potential referendum as "dangerous." Meanwhile, Smith has proposed modifying federal equalization payments to better support smaller provinces like those in Atlantic Canada, a stance supported by Newfoundland and Labrador. The sovereigntist Parti Québécois leader has unexpectedly expressed support for Smith’s referendum initiative. Discussions have also emerged about the economic implications of Alberta’s potential departure, including the fate of federal investments such as the TransMountain Pipeline. The prospect of Alberta joining the United States has been mentioned as a possible outcome following the referendum. Premiers across Canada are responding variably to Smith’s decision, reflecting the growing complexity of the issue within the Canadian federation.

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#Alberta #Danielle Smith #Canada #United Conservative Party #Smith #Confederation #British Columbia #David Eby #Saskatchewan #Calgary #Edmonton #Atlantic Canada #Newfoundland and Labrador #Parti Québécois #TransMountain Pipeline #United States #Canadian

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Sources

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Ian Jaeger

@IanJaeger29

REPORT: Premier Danielle Smith announces that Alberta could hold its first ever referendum on independence in 2026, which could lead to Alberta joining the United States. https://t.co/xnlR8FqqaQ

Toronto Sun

@TheTorontoSun

Calgary, Edmonton mayors call potential separatism referendum ’dangerous’ https://t.co/VE5zmJdidj https://t.co/6SncdrHLl3

Rebel News

@RebelNewsOnline

WATCH: @SheilaGunnReid and @TheMenzoid reacted to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith once again fielding questions from mainstream media reporters attempting to paint her as a divisive force in Canada. https://t.co/MjgkbNp0kD