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The Alberta Referendum:
What’s Really at Stake

On October 19, Albertans will vote on 10 referendum questions, including whether Alberta should begin pursuing independence.

In the lead up to the Alberta referendum, the C.D. Howe Institute is bringing together evidence-based perspectives on the potential consequences of Alberta leaving Confederation.

Introducing the Series

From Talking Points to Realities

Jeremy M. Kronick and Kate Koplovich | September 14, 2026

Canada is at a pivotal moment in its history. We are repositioning ourselves as a country open to investment. But we do so alongside headwinds. Trade uncertainty with our largest trading partner brings a changing geopolitical and economic reality that is forcing the country to rethink what and how we produce and trade, and now an internal conflict is testing the strength of our diverse federation of governments and its division of powers.

It is within this context that Albertans go to the polls on October 19, faced with 10 referendum questions. Five of these focus on immigration and citizenship; four on the Canadian constitution and provincial rights and jurisdiction; and the final question asks whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada, or commence the legal process required under the Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum to separate from Canada.

Read the Full Memo

Featured Event

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2026 Calgary Dinner Question 10: Alberta’s Referendum and Its Implications
September 22, 2026 Calgary, Alberta
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Podcast

Coming Soon Podcast episode title to be announced Referendum-series conversations with the authors will appear here.
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