Alberta Premier Smith to make TV address amid talk of separation referendum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks during the announcement of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey is being hosted in Alberta, in Edmonton, Monday March 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is to make a TV address to the province tonight amid speculation of a referendum on separation.

It is to be broadcast at 6:45 p.m. on CTV, Global and Rogers as well as livestreamed on the premier’s social media accounts.

The address comes a day after members of her United Conservative Party caucus failed to pass a motion in committee asking Smith to call an Oct. 19 vote on Alberta’s place in Confederation.

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UCP member Nate Glubish introduced the motion but, while members were debating it, the party’s caucus issued a news release saying the motion had passed.

Opposition NDP members objected, saying the premature release called into question the integrity of the process, and time ran out on the meeting.

The committee is to meet again later today.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 21, 2026.

Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press