Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that a referendum on the province’s separation from Canada could be held next year if a citizen-led petition gathers enough signatures.

While Smith does not personally support separation, she emphasized that Albertans should decide if the federal government continues to impose policies that harm the province, particularly in oil production.

She introduced legislation to lower the threshold for triggering a referendum, reducing the required petition signatures from 20% to 10% of eligible voters.

Smith has accused federal governments of hindering Alberta’s oil industry and intends to negotiate with Ottawa to address the province’s grievances, ABC News has reported.

Political experts believe the likelihood of separation is low, but Smith may be using the threat as leverage for change.

Written by B.C. Begley