Alberta Advances Toward Independence Referendum After 302,000 Signatures

Stay Free Alberta submitted about 302,000 signatures—well over the 178,000 required—to trigger a province-wide referendum on Alberta exiting Canada, with a vote potentially on the October ballot if verified. Premier Danielle Smith says she would move forward if enough names are validated but does not support secession, arguing federal policies have harmed Alberta’s economy. Indigenous groups are pursuing court challenges that could block the referendum, adding legal hurdles to the push.