Alberta premier Danielle Smith does not support the idea of a separate Alberta from Canada but she wants to risk a separation referendum so that no rival party takes her position. The statement makes it clear that if she does not allow a separation referendum,

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.

Premier Danielle Smith says her focus will be on repairing the destruction she says Ottawa has caused to Alberta over the past decade as the idea of separation from Canada gains greater public attention.