The residents of Alberta, the oil-rich province in western Canada, are heading to the polls for a referendum on ten proposals. The most contentious question is whether Alberta will remain part of Canada or whether the provincial government will initiate the legal process towards independence. Premier Danielle Smith made the referendum possible under pressure from the separatist faction within her party. Behind the movement lies a deep rift between Alberta and Ottawa.
Opinion polls suggest 20 to 30 per cent support for secession, but a highly motivated grassroots movement could spring a surprise. Carney warns of the economic costs of an exit and aims to curb separatism by fast-tracking a new oil pipeline from Alberta to the west coast.
