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Alberta plans a binding independence referendum on Oct. 19

The vote gives residents a choice between staying in Canada or moving to a formal independence referendum later, with Premier Danielle Smith warning of a potential C$400bn cost.

Reported · Written up by our desk · North America

Albertans are set to vote on Oct. 19 on whether to stay in Canada or move ahead toward a formal binding independence referendum later, according to BBC Business.

The referendum is expected to be a major test of national unity, with independence supporters pointing to Alberta’s oil and gas wealth, agriculture sector, and skilled workforce as the foundation for a stronger provincial economy.

Independence backers argue Alberta has been short-changed within Canada and say keeping more oil and gas wealth locally could deliver tens of billions in savings rather than sharing with Ottawa.

Premier Danielle Smith, who opposes independence, predicts a more sober outcome and says the province could risk paying C$400bn.

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