Alberta referendum on separation likely to settle, but not end, sovereignty debate

Albertans vote Monday on whether to remain in Canada or hold another binding referendum on secession, with polls suggesting a majority will choose to stay. Premier Danielle Smith says she expects all sides to accept that result and move forward. The independence movement's leaders dispute that expectation, and experts are divided on whether separation will become a permanent feature of Alberta politics like in Quebec. Political scientist Julian Castro-Rea says western alienation will persist as long as Albertans feel Ottawa benefits from the province's resources without reciprocating. Alberta's separatist sentiment has grown over recent years, fueled by criticism of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's policies, though current Prime Minister Mark Carney called the bid a "dangerous bluff." Some experts compare the movement to Scotland's independence push, noting Alberta's campaign appears hastily assembled compared to longer-established nationalist efforts.