Albertans are going to the polls today, 19 October 2026, to determine their place within Canada. The referendum asks voters whether Alberta should remain in Canada or proceed with a second binding independence referendum.
The vote has highlighted significant divisions across the province, even within the separatist movement itself. While some have long argued that separation is necessary to address perceived financial disadvantages with Ottawa and restrictions on exploiting fossil fuel reserves, the premier, Danielle Smith, previously stated a referendum was not needed. She called it after pressure from within her United Conservative party.
Premier Smith did not campaign for independence, having estimated the cost of separation at approximately C$400bn (£212bn) for the transition, with additional annual costs of C$25bn-C$50bn for establishing a new country. This caution led some of her supporters to accuse her of betraying the independence movement. Opponents of independence have also highlighted potential costs, with the University of Calgary's school of public policy suggesting costs could reach C$170bn over five years, with long-term unpredictability.
The issue has not strictly followed partisan lines, with former premiers Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley, from the Conservative and New Democratic parties respectively, appearing together to support a united Canada. Mark Carney, who grew up in Alberta and previously served as governor of the Bank of England, also campaigned for unity, warning against the economic upheaval he witnessed following the Brexit vote.
The referendum also includes nine other measures unrelated to separation, covering proposals concerning social programmes, judicial appointments, and the senate.