Voters in Alberta, Canada's largest oil-producing province, are casting ballots Monday in a nonbinding referendum that could open the way to a future vote on secession from Canada. The independence question is one of 10 on the October 19 ballot. Albertans must choose between remaining a Canadian province and asking their government to begin the legal process for a binding referendum on secession. Opinion polls suggest about two-thirds favor remaining in Canada, while roughly a quarter support pursuing separation. The movement draws on grievances over federal energy policy and Alberta's financial contributions to Ottawa. Danielle Smith, the province’s premiere, who called the vote, opposes independence. Indigenous leaders have also raised concerns about treaty rights and whether separation could proceed without their consent. Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, has campaigned for national unity amid trade tensions with Washington. Speaking in Calgary last Thursday, Carney said: “There couldn’t be a worse time for this referendum.”
