Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks during a news conference in Calgary on May 22, 2026. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she has cast her advance ballot in the provincial referendum, choosing to stay in Canada and calling on voters to make the same choice.
The premier urged voters to not “give up hope” on staying in Canada, while still sending a message to Ottawa by voting yes on the other nine questions on the referendum.
“I believe we’re at a turning point. In my view, now is not the time to give up hope in our country. Not when we have fought so long and come so far,” Smith said in a video posted Oct. 14 on social media.
Smith said the frustrations felt by Albertans with Ottawa are “real” but do not require holding a referendum to separate.
She said there is reason for optimism given progress on major energy and infrastructure projects, including a proposed new oil pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. coast.
“I know for many years Albertans have felt ignored, dismissed, and taken for granted by decision-makers in Ottawa. Those frustrations are real, and they’re the reason so many people are demanding change,” Smith said. “Many Albertans I speak with tell me they want to send Ottawa a message, and I would suggest the best way to do that is to give us a strong mandate on the other nine questions.”
For question ten on the non-binding provincial referendum, Option 1 calls for Alberta to stay in Canada, while Option 2 calls for the province to begin the process to hold a legally binding vote on separation from Canada.
The other nine questions propose giving Alberta greater authority over immigration, judicial appointments, access to provincially funded services for temporary residents, and areas where provincial and federal powers overlap, among other matters. It also asks voters to give the provincial government a mandate to push for the abolishment of the unelected Senate.
Smith has said that while she does not support Alberta separating from Canada, she will respect the results of all 10 referendum questions and pursue the changes supported by a majority of voters.
Smith also said earlier this month that she would not hold another separation referendum if Albertans vote to remain in Canada.
Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi cast his vote Oct. 13, having previously called on Albertans to vote no to the nine questions and to vote to remain in Canada. He has also criticized Smith for adding a question related to separation, saying it creates uncertainty in the province.
“My message to Albertans is to make it simple on yourself, vote Option 1 to remain in Canada and just vote ‘No’ to the other nine questions,” Nenshi said earlier this month in Lethbridge.
Advance voting for the referendum began Oct. 13 and continues through Oct. 17, with referendum day set for Oct. 19. Elections Alberta reported that roughly 175,000 people cast advance votes on Oct. 13.
The agency has said results of the referendum will be published within 48 hours after polls close, and official results will be released Oct. 29.
