A petition seeking a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada was formally submitted on Monday, with organizers claiming they gathered over 300,000 signatures—well above the required threshold.

The proposal reflects long-standing “western alienation,” with supporters arguing Alberta is unfairly treated by federal decision-makers in Ottawa.

However, court challenges from Indigenous First Nations have paused verification of signatures, with opponents arguing independence could violate treaty rights and a prior ruling suggested such a referendum may be unlawful.

The Alberta government has allowed the petition process to continue under updated rules, but legal uncertainty remains over whether a vote can proceed, the BBC has reported.

If approved, a referendum could be held as early as October, though polling suggests most Albertans currently oppose separation.