Alberta’s Smith introduces bill to ease referendum process amid Ottawa tensions

The Province of Alberta remained solidly Conservative in Monday’s federal election, with only three of their 40 seats leaning in another direction.

The province’s Premier, Danielle Smith, has long clashed with Ottawa over certain policies, and since the election, has rolled out a new bill that would make it easier for residents to force a provincial referendum.

Despite this action, Smith maintains her government won’t advance a separation vote.

While there is definitely some renewed interest in a 2019 change.org petition to free Alberta from the rest of Canada, and this bill from Smith’s government could make it easier to start a referendum.

Premier Smith says she will be holding a special caucus meeting on Friday to further discuss Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney.