A February 2026 Abacus Data poll found that just over one in four Albertans are in favour of separation.
Referendum question on separation possible
The official list of questions doesn’t include separation, but Smith has left that option open. A petition led by former politician Thomas Lukaszuk to “keep Alberta in Canada” has already cleared the Elections Alberta threshold for a referendum question on remaining in Confederation, with more than 404,000 signatures.
For employers, this means an extended period in which rules around taxation, immigration, social programs and resource development could be debated or revised.
Among the ideas being put to voters in the October referendum, Smith wants Albertans to decide whether provincial laws should prevail over federal laws in areas of shared jurisdiction such as natural resources, the environment, and immigration. Another proposal would allow provinces to opt out of federal programs in areas like health, education and social services while still receiving related federal funding for provincial alternatives, according to CBC News.
For investors and corporate legal teams, these questions go to the predictability of Canadian federalism. Any move toward greater provincial sovereignty could invite new court challenges and regulatory friction — especially in heavily regulated sectors such as energy, utilities and infrastructure.
