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Provincial Politics

Alberta separation group says it has enough signatures to trigger referendum vote

May 4, 2026 | 2:28 PM

Alberta separatists say they have formally submitted almost 302,000 signatures to try to trigger a referendum on the province leaving Canada.

The group needed 178,000 signatures to force the province to consider such a vote.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said if the petition is verified, there will be a referendum.

Mitch Sylvestre, the head of Stay Free Alberta, arrived at the Elections Alberta office in Edmonton today leading a convoy of seven trucks to deliver the names.

More than 300 supporters gathered, waving the provincial flag and chanting “Alberta strong.”

However, the petition could face another hurdle this week as an Edmonton judge is expected to rule on a court challenge launched by a group of Alberta First Nations who say Alberta separation would violate treaty rights.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 4, 2026.