cAnada's Prime Minister Mark Carney won the election a week ago on the topic of U.S. President Donald Trump's annexation of the country. But now, the threat to Canada’s sovereignty comes from within.
Alberta Prime Minister Danielle Smith said in a live broadcast on Monday that if such a petition is supported by prerequisites, she will hold a referendum next year.
"Alberta has always been a loyal, proud and generous Canadian, and we love Canada," Smith said.
Smith clarified that the Alberta government would not vote on separation from Canada, and she personally does not support separation, but asserted: “If there is a successful citizen-led referendum petition that can collect the number of signatures that require such questions to be raised, our government will respect the democratic process and will respect the democratic parties in 2026, including the issue.
This is something to know.
What is Alberta's politics?
Alberta is a Canadian province with a population of about 5 million, bordering Montana, USA. According to the government website, the province is known for its massive oil and gas reserves, while mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction make up the largest percentage of the province's economy.
Alberta is the main driver of Canada's economy. It is the country's major producer of fossil fuels, accounting for 84% of total crude oil production in 2023 and 61% of total natural gas production, while Alberta was second in Ontario in terms of GDP growth in 2024. Alberta has the highest GDP per capita among Canadian provinces.
The province is also considered a conservative stronghold: Smith belongs to the United Conservative Party, which has led the provincial government since 2019 and advocates for tax reduction and carbon resistance. Alberta, under Smith, questioned federal net-zero emissions schedule and clean energy regulations.
Broadly speaking, many Alberta provinces oppose the national liberal government that has led Canada since 2015 and have adopted environmental policies, which locals believe will hinder the province's economic growth.
Under the leadership of liberal leadership, Ottawa blocked pipelines, canceled multiple oil and gas projects and proposed a carbon tax, what she called "the development of anti-energy, anti-agricultural and anti-investment products."
"We do not ask for special treatment or handouts," Smith said in a statement Monday. "We just want to be free: develop and export the vast amount of resources we have to benefit our families and future generations."
How will Alberta separate?
After Carney was elected, Albertans headed to its provincial legislature to protest the continued rule of liberals and assembled to separate. According to CBC, some protesters were even seen carrying U.S. flags.
According to a May 1 poll by Ottawa Nano Research, most Albertas believe it would be better to be with Canada. Only one in 10 respondents say the province is better as part of the United States
But this is not the first time separation has occurred from Alberta, as the country's West has remained unhappy with central Canada and federal governments for decades. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, as early as the 1970s, Alberta called on the separation of various domestic issues.
However, there was actually only one province that held a referendum in 1980 and 1995 when it separated from Canada, both of which showed that most Quebec prefers to stay in Canada.
But leaving is not as easy as a vote in favor of a referendum. Canada's constitution does not allow unilateral separation. Following a failed referendum on Quebec's separation, the federal government promulgated the Clarity Act in 2000, on how to hold a future referendum in provinces seeking independence from the country. The law stipulates that the lower house of the National Parliament determines whether a referendum on a provincial independence indicates a "obvious will" in the provincial population. Once determined, the provincial government can negotiate with the federal government to amend the Canadian Constitution in order to allow it to split.
What was Mark Carney's response?
Shortly after Carney was elected, the Prime Minister met with Smith, who wrote in a May 2 post on X that the two discussed measures on the Alberta economy, “as well as specific recommendations for project and legislative reforms that would significantly increase market access for Alberta oil and gas, agricultural products and other goods.” Smith described the conversation with Carney as a “positive first step.”
Carney answered Smith's post: "We are all focused on reducing the cost of living and increased opportunities in the energy sector that is hard-working in Alberta. I look forward to working together - breaking the barriers to inter-provincial trade and building a strong Canadian economy." In her recent statement, Smith said, Smith said her provincial government will appoint a negotiating team to address these policies. She also said she will chair a "Alberta Next" group that will host a series of town halls to listen to Alberta's opinions and understand their needs for the province's future.