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Alberta referendum expected to bring finality, but also more questions on separation
Questions to remain after Alberta separation vote
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
On Monday, Albertans vote on whether to stay in Canada or hold another binding referendum on quitting Canada.
If the vote goes as polls suggest, a majority of Albertans will mark an X to stay in Confederation, and Premier Danielle Smith has said if that’s so, she expects everyone to accept it and move on. Leaders of the independence movement contest that.
And political watchers are divided about whether separation — previously a fringe sentiment — will now be a prominent, permanent feature of Alberta’s political landscape, as in Quebec.
Julian Castro-Rea, a political-science professor at the University of Alberta who studies the separation debates in Quebec and Alberta, believes as long as Alberta feels alienated from the Canadian capital — feeling that Ottawa benefits from Alberta's resource economy without giving back — the movement will have fuel.
"Even if the referendum is lost, the westernization will still be around, because it's kind of a way which, traditionally, Albertans have related to the rest of Canada," says Castro-Rea, who believes western alienation may remain indefinitely.
Alberta's independence movement has been compared to Brexit and separation in Scotland, but the most obvious comparator is Quebec.
Earlier this month, Quebec elected a minority government led by the Parti Québécois, which has promised to call a third independence referendum to leave Canada, following votes in 1980 and 1995.
Experts say the two provinces differ in their catalysts for secession. Quebec and its francophone culture have developed over centuries. Alberta, by comparison, was created alongside Saskatchewan out of the division of the Northwest Territories in 1905.
Alberta's separatists are driven by western alienation rather than a deep-seated nationalist sentiment, like Quebec, experts say. That means it's difficult to see how the long-term future of the movement could pan out.
"They have different identity, different history, different language, as you know, and therefore they can claim, kind of, this historical legitimacy as the basis for their attempts for separation," Castro-Rea says.
Separatist sentiment has been sprinkled into Alberta's saucepan for the past half-century before coming to a boil in recent years. Premier Smith, who has voted to stay in Canada, has repeatedly criticized former prime minister Justin Trudeau's policies as oppressive to Western Canada's sovereignty and its energy-driven economy.
That criticism has softened against current Prime Minister Mark Carney, who referred to Alberta's bid for secession as a "dangerous bluff" on Thursday night. He also said a decisive result would "settle this question."
Andrew McDougall, an associate political science professor at the University of Toronto, says he sees Alberta's referendum as a way to garner political leverage with Ottawa, as Quebec has.
"This has sometimes been referred to in Quebec as the 'knife at the throat strategy,' where Quebec could sort of push its agenda because we've had that incredible threat of a referendum," he says.
But former UCP premier Jason Kenney, speaking in Edmonton earlier this week, said the knife analogy cuts both ways.
"The idea of making the threat by holding a knife to the throat of the federation is how you end up as a have-not province, like Quebec, instead of the ultimate have province like Alberta," he said.
"You want to talk about a lack of investor confidence? The next year, moving towards an actual vote on separation when the first one is won — the economic consequences would be catastrophic."
Political science professor Graeme Young says to understand Alberta’s future, one could look at Scotland.
Young, at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, grew up in Ontario and kept interest in Alberta's prospective separation from afar as Scotland bolsters another push to leave the United Kingdom.
He says he doesn't expect Alberta's separatist campaign will last. He believes the movement could deflate with a different federal political party in power. And he says it can’t draw from the same wellspring of national identity as exists in Scotland.
Young says Scotland's 2014 campaign was, in large part, defeated by uncertainty about the economics of independence, including pensions, currency, finances and its role in the European Union.
And while Scotland has been preparing for more than a decade for another run at independence, Alberta's movement is underprepared, Young says.
"(Alberta's case) has been put together quite hastily," he says. "It does not seem that they have invested as much time and energy into that case as one would expect for setting up a new country."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2026.
— With files from Lisa Johnson in Edmonton and The Associated Press
By Dayne Patterson | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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This sugar-sand beach oasis is 3.5 hrs from Toronto and round-trip flights are under $350
You can escape the November chill. 🏝️
Leaves are falling from the trees, and the temperature has dropped, but beach days may not be as far away as you think.
Skyscanner has revealed its monthly Travel Hack Series, highlighting everything from the best time to book to the cheapest destinations and trending travel routes.
This dreamy destination, with sugary sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and sun-filled skies, was named among the cheapest places to fly to from Canada this November, with flights for under $350 round-trip.
Located just three and a half hours from Toronto, it's an idyllic spot to soak up some sun and escape the November chill.
The destination
Located on New Providence Island, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, boasting tropical scenery and beachy vibes.
You'll find crystal-clear blue waters, stretches of soft white sand, upscale resorts, and colourful coral reefs that make it a hotspot for snorkelers.
The fall months offer warm temperatures, hotel deals, and fewer tourists than in busier travel periods. You can trade chilly days up north for a little sunshine and beach time.
According to Royal Caribbean, shoulder season (May and November) is the best time to visit if you're looking for good deals and fewer crowds, while December to April is the best time to visit for weather.
"May and November bring a sweet balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds," the website says.
"You'll enjoy plenty of sunshine, occasional tropical showers and discounted hotel rates — perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace without the peak-season bustle."
Things to do
There's no shortage of ways to fill your days in Nassau, whether you're looking to soak up the sun or explore the island's history.
According to its tourism website, it's home to "one of the world's largest and most stunning coral reefs" and boasts around 300 days of sunshine each year.
You can spend an afternoon lounging on Cable Beach, make a splash at Aquaventure Water Park, or wander through Clifton Heritage National Park to discover historic ruins and scenic coastal trails.
For some local culture, you can head downtown to browse colourful shops and markets, climb the historic Queen's Staircase, or check out the Pirates Museum for a glimpse into the region's swashbuckling past.
It's also worth visiting Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre, home to tropical birds and other wildlife.
Cheap flights from Toronto
Getting to this tropical oasis doesn't require a lengthy plane ride. Direct flights from Toronto take around three and a half hours.
Depending on your travel dates and airline, round-trip fares can dip below $350, making a sunny getaway more affordable than you'd expect.
According to Skyscanner's press release, you can snag round-trip flights from Canada for as low as $321. However, some cheaper flights may include layovers and connections.
Prices fluctuate depending on the season and availability, so it's worth comparing dates before booking. Keep in mind that baggage charges and other fees may apply.
If you're ready to swap Canada's crisp autumn days for turquoise waters and sandy shores, this Bahamian getaway could be just the ticket.
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This gorgeous Ontario town was named among the top 10 destinations in the world for 2027
It's just road trip from Toronto.
If you're already planning some adventures for 2027, you'll want to keep this beautiful small town in mind.
With storybook streets, quaint shops, and old-world charm, it was recently named one of the world's top destinations to visit next year.
The best part is, you don't need to get on a plane or even leave the country to discover this gem. The town is located just a road trip from Toronto, so you can add a little getaway to your travel plans without venturing too far from home.
Expedia has just unveiled its largest travel report of the year, Unpack '27, which highlights the destinations and travel behaviours expected to shape the year ahead.
The 2027 Destinations of the Year list spotlights some of the world's fastest-rising travel hotspots, based on search data showing where travellers are most eager to go next.
Ontario's Niagara-on-the-Lake ranked ninth on the list, with searches up 35% year after year.
According to Expedia, it's "one of Canada's best-preserved 19th-century towns," and has "storybook streets" with"Victorian-era shopfronts and tea rooms."
You can spend a day wandering through the Heritage District, which looks like it was plucked from a postcard. The area is dotted with gift shops, gourmet cafes, boutiques, and more.
The town is also home to several spas and boutique hotels where you can relax and get pampered. Located about an hour and a half from Toronto, it's an idyllic spot for a weekend getaway or longer.
There are attractions to explore as well, from the Shaw Festival Theatre to Icewine Festivals and more.
One of Niagara-on-the-Lake's main attractions is the surrounding wineries. Nestled in the heart of wine country, the town is home to 40 distinct wineries, with even more to visit in the broader Niagara region.
Popular spots include Peller Estates Winery, Trius Winery, Two Sisters Vineyards, Inniskillin Wines, and Konzelmann Estate Winery, great for sipping, dining, and soaking up views.
Niagara-on-the-Lake was the only Canadian destination to make Expedia's 2027 Destinations of the Year list. South Lake Tahoe, U.S., was crowned the top destination for 2027, followed by Hyogo, Japan, and Punta del Este, Uruguay.
You can find the full ranking of Expedia's 2027 Destinations of the Year here.
With its historic charm, quaint streets, and stunning wineries, it's no surprise Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the world's top travel spots for 2027.
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8 hacks pour pas que ton déménagement au Québec te ruine complètement
Avec ça, il va te rester de l'argent pour ta déco! 🤑
Le 1er juillet de chaque année, la population québécoise a l'habitude de déménager en profitant du jour férié de la fête du Canada. Étant donné que cette échéance approche rapidement et que l'inflation affecte sérieusement ton budget alloué à la vie quotidienne, tu cherches peut-être un moyen de limiter les dépenses lors de ton prochain changement de logement.
Que ce soit pour avoir des boites gratuites, payer moins cher ton transport ou encore bien choisir la compagnie de déménagement, voici huit conseils qui devraient t'être utiles pour préparer comme il se doit cette journée qui s'annonce chargée, mais à moindres frais.
Utiliser des sacs à ordures au lieu des boîtes pour les vêtements
Pour les vêtements c'est très utile d'utiliser des sacs à ordures, car cela prend beaucoup moins de place qu'une boîte dans un camion et tu peux aisément les empiler ou les tasser pour faire de la place pour tes meubles. En plus, il sera plus simple pour une personne passagère à l'avant d'un véhicule d'en empiler à ses pieds que de mettre des boîtes sur ses genoux. Avec ce truc, tu peux même garder tes vêtements sur les cintres et les déplacer d'une garde-robe à l'autre sans tracas.
Sachant qu'une boite coûte entre 1,25 $ et 4 $ au Dollarama et qu'un ensemble de boîtes pour un appartement coûte 153,57 $ chez U-Haul... Tu vas vite faire des économies!
Demander des boîtes gratuites
Il existe aussi un autre moyen d'obtenir des boîtes, tu peux en demander gratuitement dans des épiceries, dans les magasins de jouets, à la SAQ et dans différents commerces. Certes, tu ne seras pas en mesure de contrôler la taille de ce que tu reçois, mais au moins ce sera sans frais.
Un autre hack intéressant pour ne pas payer de boîtes, c'est de récupérer celles de tes commandes sur Amazon ou autres à l'avance. Une fois le moment venu d'emballer tes affaires, tu n'as plus qu'à les renforcer avec du tape.
Notons que tu peux également demander à tes proches, s'ils ont fait des commandes sur Internet récemment, de t'en garder de côté.
Privilégier les serviettes plutôt que le papier bulle
Non seulement c'est plus écologique, mais en plus ça va faire baisser ta facture de déménagement. Plutôt que d'acheter du papier bulle pour protéger tes objets fragiles comme la vaisselle, les objets électroniques ou autres, tu peux utiliser des serviettes, des guenilles, des draps, des vêtements ou encore des circulaires qui envahissent ta boîte aux lettres.
Rappelons qu'un lot de deux rouleaux peut coûter un peu moins de 30 $ sur Amazon, tandis que cette technique est 100 % gratuite. Tu peux aussi, encore une fois, demander à tes proches s'ils ou elles en ont à te prêter, au cas où tu en manquerais.
Déménager léger
Le calcule est simple : plus tu as de choses à déménager, plus tu as de boîtes, plus tu as besoin d'un gros camion, plus cela coûte cher. Pour faire des économies, cela peut valoir le coup de faire un tri dans tes affaires afin de déménager plus léger.
En plus de sauver des sous, tu peux en gagner en vendant ce qui ne te sert plus sur des sites comme Kijiji ou Facebook Marketplace, ce qui pourrait t'aider à augmenter ton budget pour faire la décoration de ton nouveau chez-toi.
Bien choisir les déménageurs
L'Office de la protection du consommateur du Québec a donné une série de conseils sur son site Internet pour bien choisir les spécialistes du déménagement avec qui tu feras affaire. Il est préconisé de comparer les prix et de communiquer avec au moins trois entreprises différentes avant de faire un choix.
Tu devrais ensuite vérifier si la firme possède une assurance de base pour le matériel déplacé, ce qui te permettra de te faire dédommager si des meubles sont brisés. Les compagnies de déménagement devraient également avoir une assurance responsabilité civile d'au moins un million de dollars.
Il est aussi recommandé de vérifier si l'entreprise est inscrite au Registre des propriétaires et des exploitants de véhicules lourds de la Commission des transports du Québec.
Sache que tu peux obtenir de l'information en utilisant l'outil « Se renseigner sur un commerçant » pour savoir si des mises en demeure ont déjà été émises, ce qui devrait t'aider à prendre une décision éclairée et éviter les pièges.
Se faire rembourser des frais par le gouvernement
Il est possible de se faire rembourser des frais de déménagement par le gouvernement fédéral s'il permet de se rapprocher d’au moins 40 km d'un lieu d'étude ou d'emploi. C'est le cas pour certaines personnes exerçant un emploi en indépendant ou pour celles et ceux qui étudient à temps plein.
Tu pourrais te faire rembourser des frais de transport et d'entreposage, de déplacement, tes repas et le logement lors du trajet, ou encore des coûts de résiliation de bail.
Pour demander cette aide, il faut remplir le formulaire et l'envoyer à l'Agence du revenu du Canada (ARC).
Comparer les prix de location de véhicules en fonction de tes besoins
Quand on parle de louer un camion, on pense souvent à faire appel à des entreprises de déménagement. En fonction du kilométrage besoin, de la taille et de la sorte du véhicule ainsi que de la durée de location, tu devras débourser une centaine de dollars, voire plus, à Montréal.
Selon le nombre de choses que tu as à déménager, ça peut valoir le coup de jeter un coup d'oeil aux prix sur l'application ou le site Internet de location de véhicules entre particuliers, Turo. Au moment d'écrire ces lignes, pour la journée complète le 1er juillet, tu devrais par exemple payer entre 75 $ et 213 $ pour une minifourgonette, un camion ou une fourgonnette.
Tu peux aussi solliciter l'aide de proches ou rejoindre des groupes d'entraide sur Facebook pour demander à des personnes de te rendre service en échange d'un repas ou du remboursement des frais d'essence, à condition qu'ils ou elles disposent d'un véhicule et que tu n'aies pas de gros meubles. Cette astuce te permettra de réaliser d'importantes économies, car le coût du transport est souvent la dépense la plus élevée lors d'un déménagement.
Prévenir d'un changement d'adresse
Oublier de faire ton changement d'adresse peut te mettre dans le pétrin et te coûter plus cher que prévu. Pour éviter de payer le service de réacheminement du courrier résidentiel de Postes Canada, pense bien à prévenir Hydro-Québec, ton service Internet et Services Canada avant de quitter ton logement. Ça t'évitera des frais, car pour quatre mois, tu devras débourser 60,50 $ si tu restes au Québec et 75,25 $ si tu pars vivre dans une autre province si tu fais appel à ce service payant, alors que si tu le fais par toi-même à temps, c'est gratuit.