Alberta separatists cross legal signatures threshold setting up a potential independence referendum for Canada

Nearly 302000 names filed pushing talks beyond protest

Alberta separatists behind the Stay Free Alberta campaign say they have submitted nearly 302000 signatures, far above the 178000 legal threshold. The effort shifts the movement from protest to a formal process that could lead to an Alberta independence referendum. The push taps long simmering tensions, especially around the oil economy, and pressures Premier Danielle Smith against Ottawa’s policies.