Alberta votes on whether to authorize separation referendum

Albertans vote Monday on whether to authorize a future binding referendum on separating from Canada, a move polls suggest most residents oppose despite the divisive debate. The vote was triggered by a 300,000-signature petition, with separatists citing federal environmental policies stifling the oil-rich province's economy. Opponents, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, warn of debt and uncertainty, while a rival petition opposing separation drew over 400,000 signatures. A court blocked the original petition over Indigenous consultation failures, but leader Danielle Smith, who opposes separation, allowed the vote. If approved, a referendum could occur as early as 2027, with results expected Tuesday.