The premier of Alberta says she will hold a referendum next year on the energy rich province separating from Canada if citizens gather the required number of signatures on a petition.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she and Prime Minister Mark Carney had a constructive phone call, but “until I see tangible proof of real change, Alberta will be taking steps to better protect ourselves from Ottawa.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she will chair an “Alberta next” panel to brainstorm how the province can protect itself from perceived economic incursions from the federal Liberal government.