'Albertans will decide…’: Smith declares vote on Canada separation; Carney calls province ESSENTIAL

Canada is facing a political earthquake after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced plans for a vote on whether the province should pursue separation from Canada. Meanwhile Prime Minister Mark Carney who called Alberta “essential” to the country’s future and is now scrambling to keep the energy-rich province in the federation. Smith argued that years of frustration with Ottawa and Trudeau-era policies pushed Alberta to this point, while also insisting she personally wants Alberta to remain in Canada. Her balancing act has sparked backlash from both separatists and federalists, with critics accusing her of fueling division for political gain.