Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney assumed office just over a week ago amidst the controversy surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about the country. However, Canada’s stability is now being challenged from within.
Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith, announced on Monday that she would conduct a referendum on the province’s secession next year if a petition garners sufficient support.
“Albertans have consistently demonstrated loyalty, pride, and generosity as Canadians—we deeply cherish Canada,” Smith stated, before criticizing successive Canadian national governments for enacting “detrimental legislation and policies.”
Smith clarified that the Alberta government would not advocate for a separation vote and that she, personally, does not support secession. However, she affirmed, “If a citizen-led referendum petition successfully gathers the necessary signatures to request such a question on a referendum, our government will honor the democratic process and include that question on the 2026 provincial referendum ballot.”
Here’s what you should know.
What is Alberta’s political landscape?
Alberta, a Canadian province with roughly 5 million residents, shares a border with Montana in the U.S. The province is famous for its extensive oil and natural gas reserves. Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction are the dominant sectors of Alberta’s economy, according to a report.
Alberta is a vital contributor to the Canadian economy, leading the nation in fossil fuel production with 84% of total crude oil production and 61% of total natural gas production. In 2024, Alberta ranked first in terms of GDP growth contribution. Alberta also boasts the highest average weekly earnings among Canadian provinces.
The province is also considered a conservative stronghold. Smith is a member of the United Conservative Party, which has governed the province since 2019, advocating for lower taxes and opposing a carbon tax. Under Smith’s leadership, Alberta has contested federal net-zero emissions timelines and clean energy regulations.
Generally, many Albertans disapprove of the national Liberal government, which has led Canada since 2015 and has implemented environmental policies that locals believe will hinder the province’s economic progress.
Smith stated that under Liberal leadership, Ottawa has obstructed pipelines, canceled numerous oil and gas projects, and introduced a carbon tax—policies she characterized as “anti-energy, anti-agriculture, and anti-resource development.”
“We aren’t seeking preferential treatment or handouts,” Smith said in her statement on Monday. “We simply desire the freedom to develop and export our abundant resources for the benefit of our families and future generations.”
How could Alberta separate?
Following Carney’s election, Albertans protested at their provincial legislature, opposing the Liberals’ continued governance and rallying for separation. According to reports, some protesters even carried U.S. flags.
According to a May 1 survey by Ottawa-based Nanos Research, most Albertans believe that remaining in Canada would be more beneficial for the economy. Only 1 in 10 respondents indicated that the province would be better off as part of the U.S.
However, this isn’t the first instance of separatist sentiments emerging from Alberta. The Western region of Canada has harbored grievances against central Canada and the federal government for decades. Calls for Alberta’s separation due to various domestic issues date back to the 1970s, according to reports.
Only one province, Quebec, has held referendums on separating from Canada in 1980 and 1995. Both votes showed a majority of Québécois favored remaining in Canada.
However, secession is not as simple as a referendum vote. The Canadian constitution does not permit unilateral separation. Following the unsuccessful referendums on separation in Quebec, the federal government enacted legislation outlining the approach to future referendums on provinces seeking independence. The act stipulates that the national parliament’s House of Commons must determine whether the referendum on a province’s independence demonstrates “a clear expression of a will by a clear majority” of the provincial population. Once determined, the provincial government can negotiate with the federal government to amend the Canadian constitution to potentially allow secession.
How has Mark Carney responded?
Shortly after Carney’s election, the Prime Minister met with Smith, who stated in a post on May 2 that they discussed measures regarding Alberta’s economy “and specific proposals for projects and legislative reforms that will 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 responded to Smith’s post: “We’re both focused on bringing down the cost of living and increasing opportunities in the energy sector for hard working Albertans. I look forward to working together—to break down interprovincial trade barriers and to build one strong Canadian economy.” In her recent statement, Smith said that her provincial government will appoint a negotiating team to address those policies. She also said she will chair an “Alberta Next” panel, which will hold a series of town halls, to hear from Albertans about what they want for the future of the province.