ID 104800766 | Alberta Flag © Typhoonski | Dreamstime.com

By The Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

Constitutional experts say Alberta referendum to separate from Canada would put country in unexplored territory

May 8, 2025 | 10:54 AM

Constitutional experts say a vote in Alberta to separate from Canada would pitch the country into unexplored territory on everything from money to First Nations and national parks.

Moves by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have recently made it easier for questions to be brought to a referendum.

Alberta’s noisy separatist movement has since become a major topic of conversation, and Smith says she would honour citizens’ ability to ask the question.

She says a referendum could come as soon as next year.

Law professor Eric Adams says a vote to sever ties with Canada would put the country into unknown territory, both politically and legally.

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The Supreme Court of Canada says a vote to separate would send the province and federal government into negotiations.

The fate of Alberta’s sprawling national parks, its currency and First Nations’ place in negotiations all become major pawns in the discussions.

Adams says adversaries like Russia and China would potentially try to capitalize on the moment of instability.

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