Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province will hold a referendum in October about Alberta’s future in Canada, but it will not be a direct vote on separating from the country.
Instead, voters will decide whether Alberta should take legal steps toward holding a future binding referendum on leaving Canada.
Smith said she supports Alberta staying in Canada and said her government does not support separation.
Political experts say the plan may help calm growing pressure from some supporters of Smith’s party who want a vote on independence. They also noted that even if Albertans voted “yes” in a future referendum, Alberta could not leave Canada without negotiations with the federal government.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government said it believes Alberta’s interests are best served by working together with the rest of Canada.
