Posted March 31, 2026 12:40 pm
Leaders behind an Alberta separatist petition claim to have secured over 177,732 signatures-10 percent of votes cast in the last provincial election-potentially triggering a referendum on independence.
Jeffrey Rath, legal counsel for advocacy group Stay Free Alberta, confirmed the figure. The petition asks Albertans if the province should leave Canada and become an independent state.
Organizers submitted their application to Elections Alberta, proposing a clear referendum question. Signature collection started January 3 and runs through May 2. Official verification will follow submission.
Elections Alberta noted that while verification can start early if sheets are handed in, no confirmation is possible until that process concludes.
A broader provincial referendum is scheduled for October 19, though it remains uncertain whether this issue will be included then.