Alberta’s Smith Plans Talks With Carney, Says Separation Vote Possible

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she’s appointing a group to negotiate with the Canadian government on removing laws that restrict energy production, adding that a referendum on the province separating from Canada may be on the ballot as soon as next year.

Alberta will seek an agreement that guarantees energy transportation corridors to the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts so that the province’s resources can get to global markets, Smith said Monday. Her administration also wants the national government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, to repeal laws that regulate industrial carbon emissions and that require Canada to move to a net zero electricity grid over time.