Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced plans to hold a referendum asking citizens whether the western Canadian province should remain part of Canada or pursue secession.

The referendum is scheduled to take place on October 19, though specific details about the voting process and ballot language have not yet been released by the provincial government.

The announcement comes amid growing support for an independence movement within Alberta that has been advocating for a referendum on separation from Canada. The movement has gained traction in recent years, though it remains unclear what level of public support exists for actual secession.

Alberta, Canada's fourth-largest province by population, is a major oil-producing region and contributes significantly to the national economy. Any move toward independence would have substantial implications for both the province and the rest of Canada.

The referendum would be non-binding, meaning the results would not automatically trigger secession proceedings but would serve as a gauge of public sentiment on the issue. Constitutional experts note that any actual separation would require complex negotiations involving federal and provincial governments.