In a video address to Albertans on Thursday, May 22, 2026, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that her government will present its own referendum question to voters. This question copies neither of the questions presented in a pair of petitions that gathered more than 700,000 signatures in recent months.
Smith's Speech Highlights
Smith emphasized that the decision ensures the 700,000 signatories to both the 'Forever Canada' petition and the 'Stay Free Alberta' petition are respected and the will of Albertans is heard. She stated, 'This question will ensure the 700,000 signatories to both the “Forever Canada” petition and the “Stay Free Alberta” petition are respected and the will of Albertans is heard.'
Background on the Court Ruling
Last week, an Alberta judge released a decision finding that the citizen initiative petition organized by the group 'Stay Free Alberta' on the issue of Alberta separation is unconstitutional. The judge ruled that there was not adequate consultation done with a First Nation’s band about the potential effect of the petition on their treaty rights. Smith criticized this ruling, stating that it fundamentally misinterprets the nature of the duty to consult, which was never meant to prevent citizens from making their voices heard through a democratic process.
Smith's Position on Separation
Smith clarified her personal stance: 'I support Alberta remaining in Canada. That is how I would vote on separation in a provincial referendum. It is also the position of my government and caucus.' However, she expressed deep concern over the court decision interfering with democratic rights. 'Despite my personal support for remaining in Canada, I am deeply troubled by an erroneous court decision that interferes with the democratic rights of hundreds of thousands of Albertans,' she said.
Government Response
The Alberta government will appeal the decision to the Alberta Court of Appeal and, if necessary, the Supreme Court of Canada. Smith noted that the appeal process could take many months or years. In the meantime, the court decision is binding law in Alberta, making it unlikely that Elections Alberta can hold a binding provincial referendum on separation until the ruling is overturned or clarified. However, Smith proposed an alternative: 'But there is another way to hear from Albertans while we wait for our legal appeal to be heard.'
Smith concluded by affirming that Alberta's future will be decided by Albertans, not the courts. The new referendum question will be put to voters in October, bypassing the legal hurdles created by the court ruling.
