Danielle Smith announced that the province will hold a non-binding referendum in October on whether residents support remaining part of Canada.

She said the vote would not immediately trigger separation but could lead to a legal process for a future independence referendum.

Smith described the move as a way to gauge public opinion and move forward on a long-standing debate.

It would be the first time a Canadian province outside Quebec has held such a vote on separation, Reuters has reported.

The announcement comes as Canada deals with broader economic and political challenges, including trade tensions with the United States, while federal officials emphasize national unity.