As referendum nears, Danielle Smith to address Alberta Day celebration in Calgary

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to reporters with fellow premiers at a press conference closing the Council of the Federation meetings in Charlottetown on Wednesday July 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese The Canadian Press

By The Canadian Press

Posted Aug 30, 2026 10:16 am.

Premier Danielle Smith is set to speak in Calgary today at an event marking Alberta Day.

Alberta officially became a Canadian province on Sept. 1, 1905.

Various festivities are planned this weekend ahead of the province’s birthday on Tuesday.

Smith’s speech at Calgary’s Heritage Park is set to come as the province’s separation referendum nears.

The premier has called a vote for Oct. 19 that will ask Albertans whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country.

On Saturday, Alberta separatists converged outside the legislature in Edmonton, with many saying Alberta would be better off without Canada after having joined Confederation 121 years ago.

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