The chances that Alberta will vote for independence in 2026 have risen slightly on prediction markets after it was announced the oil-rich province will hold a referendum on whether it should stay in Canada or go ahead with a second binding vote on separation.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Thursday announced that the referendum will take place on October 19. It comes after Alberta separatists said they had submitted enough signatures to trigger a citizen-led referendum on whether the province should leave Canada.
This October referendum will not determine whether Alberta separates from Canada, but will ask whether Alberta should stay in Canada or take legal steps under the Constitution to hold a binding referendum on leaving.
Prediction platform Polymarket has the odds of Alberta voting “yes” for independence this year at 17 percent as of Friday, up from 9% on Thursday. This would mean a referendum on Alberta’s independence from Canada is passed by December 31.
“Any referendum that establishes Alberta’s desire for independence, sets a framework for independence, or establishes independence from Canada will qualify,” the platform says.
This is a developing story – more to follow.