Hamilton, ON, May 25, 2026 – The Alberta government has recently announced plans to add a separation question to its fall referendum. Voters will be asked whether the province should remain part of Canada or if it should commence the legal process towards a binding referendum on their independence.
Premier Danielle Smith reaffirmed her own stance that Alberta should remain part of Canada, adding that her government and caucus also share this position. Still, the inclusion of the separation question has caused anger and confusion from both sides of the political spectrum.
The separation question will be decided on October 19, 2026, along with nine other questions related to immigration and constitutional changes.
McMaster experts are available to discuss Alberta’s separation referendum:
Andrea Lawlor (associate professor, Department of Political Science) can comment on public opinion, constitutionality, and the political effects for the premier and parties. Lawlor can be reached at andrea.lawlor@mcmaster.ca.
Adrienne Davidson (assistant professor, Department of Political Science) can comment on federalism, party politics, Indigenous-state dynamics as it relates to separation, shifting public opinion on the issue, and history of separatist movements. Davidson can be reached at adrienne.davidson@mcmaster.ca.