Alberta premier Danielle Smith does not support the idea of a separate Alberta from Canada but she wants to risk a separation referendum so that no rival party takes her position. The statement makes it clear that if she does not allow a separation referendum,

Premier Danielle Smith says her focus will be on repairing the destruction she says Ottawa has caused to Alberta over the past decade as the idea of separation from Canada gains greater public attention.

The largely conservative province may hold a referendum on separating from the nation in 2026, according to its premier.