Alberta sets referendum date for province to separate from Canada
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Thursday set the date for a referendum deciding whether the province will move to separate from Canada.
TL;DR
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a referendum on separation from Canada for October 19th.
- This will be the first time a province other than Quebec has voted on separation.
- The referendum follows a signature campaign by separatist group Stay Free Alberta.
- Many Albertans feel neglected by Ottawa due to equalization payments, where the province is a major contributor but receives less direct funding.
- Premier Smith stated she and her government would vote against separation.
- Polling suggests the separation measure is unlikely to pass.
- Alberta's secession would impact Canada, given the province's significant oil reserves.