Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced on May 21 that the province will hold a non-binding referendum in October asking residents whether Alberta should remain part of Canada, Reuters reported the same day. Specifically, the referendum question will read: "Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?"

Smith's announcement follows a ruling invalidating a referendum petition by the separatist group Stay Free Alberta on the grounds that it infringed on the rights of Canada's Indigenous groups. In response, Minister of Internal Trade Dominic Leblanc said, "​​As we take note of Premier Smith's address this ​evening, we remain focused on building a stronger Canada for all, in full partnership with Alberta and to the benefit of all Albertans and all Canadians."