# Alberta's Separation Referendum Explained

> Alberta holds nonbinding vote on joining Canada or independence.
- Title: Alberta's Separation Referendum Explained · The Straits Times
- Summary: Alberta holds nonbinding vote on joining Canada or independence. Alberta's referendum asks residents if they want to stay in Canada or pursue separation…
- Keywords: alberta, canada, referendum, separation, alberta premier, danielle smith, elections alberta, news, world, Alberta's, Explained, The Straits Times
- Source: The Straits Times — https://straitstimes.com/world/explainer-what-does-albertas-referendum-on-separation-from-canada-mean
- Published: 2026-10-15T16:11:08+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: alberta, canada, referendum, separation, alberta premier, danielle smith, elections alberta, news, world
## Alberta's Referendum
Alberta holds nonbinding referendum on Monday to ask residents if they want to remain part of Canada.
## Support for Canada
Polls show 70% of Albertans want to stay in Canada, with 25% supporting independent Alberta.
## Referendum Questions
Ten color-coded questions cover immigration, services, and whether Alberta should remain a Canadian province.
## Why Alberta Voted
Premier Danielle Smith said it was time to understand Albertans' will on separation after months of separatist campaigning.
## Previous Separatist Efforts
Quebec has held two referendums on separation, both times voting to remain in Canada.
## Results Timeline
Polls close Monday at 8 p.m., with results published online within 48 hours.
## Next Steps
If most vote for separation, Smith will start legal process but separation would not happen imminently.
## Key takeaway

Alberta's referendum asks residents if they want to stay in Canada or pursue separation, with 70% supporting remaining part of Canada.