Alberta separatists said they now have enough signatures to launch a referendum on the possibility of leaving Canada. According to reports, Alberta submitted about 302,000 signatures. Separatists needed 178,000.
The question would go on a province-wide ballot as early as October. A “yes” vote does not automatically mean independence, as federal negotiations are required. While Alberta Premier Danielle Smith does not support the oil-rich area leaving Canada, she has also accused liberal governments of introducing legislation that thwarts Alberta’s ability to engage in the oil industry.
“This day is historic in Alberta history,” said Mitch Sylvestre, the head of Stay Free Alberta. “It’s the first step to the next step — we’ve gotten by Round 3 and now we’re in the Stanley Cup final.”
Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, told the Associated Press that he believes a referendum is likely to be unsuccessful. “Right now, support for independence in Alberta is rather low. Less than 30% and much lower if we only focus on hard core supporters. And the odds of a victory of the pro-independence camp appear to be low at this stage,” he said.
He added that Prime Minister Mark Carney is “indeed popular, even in Alberta. The push for independence by some Albertans predates his prime ministership and it’s related to economic, fiscal, and political grievances about the seemingly unfair treatment of Alberta by the federal government.” Béland noted that the “concerns increased during the Justin Trudeau years but they have peaked and even declined since he left office.”
