Alberta Premier Smith announces October referendum on whether to hold binding vote on separation from Canada

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced on Thursday that the province will hold a referendum on October 19 asking voters whether the government should commence the legal process for a binding separation vote. The announcement follows a court decision that invalidated a citizen-led petition for separation that had gathered over 300,000 signatures, citing failure to consult Indigenous groups. Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by emphasizing Alberta's importance to Canada's economy and announcing infrastructure agreements including an oil pipeline project.