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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 livres québécois de finance faciles à comprendre que tu DOIS lire dans ta vingtaine
Pleins d'astuces pour devenir riche? On ne dit jamais non.
L'adage « l'argent ne fait pas le bonheur » est peut-être vrai, mais ça peut certainement faciliter la vie. Si tu cherches à mieux organiser tes finances et à comprendre tous les rouages de ce domaine qui peut être assez complexe, sache qu'il existe de multiples ouvrages qui te permettent de mieux gérer ton portefeuille.
Les experts et expertes financier.ères du Québec ont mis la main à la pâte pour t'offrir leurs meilleurs conseils côté budget. Investissement, immobilier, retraite, épargne, compte bancaire et minimalisme, avec tout ça, tu pourrais peut-être bien faire fortune et t'offrir la vie dont tu as toujours rêvé, qui sait? Voici donc huit livres d'auteurs et d'autrices québécois.es qui te permettront de mieux atteindre tes objectifs financiers.
La facture amoureuse
Prix : 26,95 $
Auteurs : Pierre-Yves McSween et Paul-Antoine Jetté
Quoi savoir sur le livre : Les finances à deux, ça peut rapidement devenir compliqué. Eh oui, le sujet de l'argent peut même devenir un déclencheur de disputes au sein d'un couple et même de rupture. Dans ce livre paru en 2022, les experts financiers Pierre-Yves McSween et Paul-Antoine Jetté se penchent, avec un certain cynisme, sur les enjeux entourant les finances conjugales. Cela peut t'aider à comprendre mieux comment planifier tes investissements et organiser ton portefeuille familial lorsque tu es en couple. Suite à ta lecture, tu auras plusieurs pistes de réflexions et options à regarder par la suite avec ton ou ta chéri.e.
Si tu aimes ce style d'écriture, tu peux aussi découvrir le succès Liberté 45, du comptable professionnel agréé (CPA) Pierre-Yves McSween qui porte sur la retraite à 45 ans, et surtout comment y accéder.
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Elle investit : bâtir sa richesse grâce à la bourse
Prix : 26,95 $
Autrice : Karman Kong, connue sous le compte Instagram @elleinvestit
Quoi savoir sur le livre : La créatrice de contenu et passionnée des finances personnelles, Karman Kong, partage ici tous ses conseils sur comment bien gérer son argent. Elle aussi a débuté dans cet univers bancaire en pataugeant dans l'inconnu. Elle tente, aujourd'hui, de vulgariser le tout pour te permettre d'atteindre tes objectifs monétaires sans tracas.
Ce livre est parfait pour ceux et celles qui se considèrent comme novice dans le domaine de l'investissement et qui veulent obtenir des trucs faciles à appliquer pour mieux gérer leur portefeuille.
« Enfin un livre sur la finance personnelle avec du contenu pratique et livré de manière authentique! », mentionne Jonathan Durocher, le président de la Financière Banque Nationale, sur la quatrième de couverture.
Pour encore plus de conseils avec un brin d'humour, tu peux suivre le compte Instagram de Karman, @elleinvestit, dans lequel tu trouveras une panoplie d'astuces et de faits étonnants sur tout ce qui entoure l’argent.
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D'endetté à millionnaire : Un plan pour les milléniaux, les jeunes familles et tous ceux qui veulent s'enrichir
Livre de David Descôteaux et Ian Sénéchal.
Amazon
Prix : 19,95 $
Auteurs : David Descôteaux et Ian Sénéchal
Quoi savoir sur le livre : Le chroniqueur et journaliste économique, David Descôteaux, et le président du cabinet de services financiers de VotreConseiller.net, Ian Sénéchal, signent ici cet ouvrage qui s'adresse particulièrement à ceux et celles qui souhaitent sortir de l'endettement. Les auteurs proposent, entre autres, une tonne de tactiques pour mieux manier et comprendre les Régimes d'épargne enregistrés (REER) et les Comptes d'épargne libre d'impôts (CELI).
« Dans ce livre, tu apprendras, entre autres : comment éviter (légalement) de payer des impôts; comment assainir tes finances en t'imposant le Protocole d'austérité; quoi faire, dans l'ordre, si tu fondes une famille; comment t'enrichir grâce au plus gros cadeau du gouvernement : le REEE; les bases de la négociation et comment gérer toi-même tes placements; comment utiliser intelligemment le REER et le CELI, et faire un pied de nez au fisc! », peut-on lire sur la quatrième de couverture. Ça promet!
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Faire plus avec moins
Prix : 27,95 $
Autrice : Vicky Payeur
Quoi savoir sur le livre : L'autrice, Vicky Payeur, était, autrefois, une surconsommatrice aguerrie. Grandement endettée, la jeune femme a décidé de réduire de façon considérable ses dépenses et son rythme de vie afin de reprendre ses finances en main. Elle te présente, ici, ses conseils pour « consommer moins et mieux ». En effet, selon elle, le mode de vie dit « frugal » peut te permettre d'économiser davantage et ainsi atteindre tes aspirations financières.
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Les millionnaires ne sont pas ceux que vous croyez
Prix : 24,95 $
Auteur : Nicolas Bérubé
Quoi savoir sur le livre : On se fait souvent une image stéréotypée des millionnaires. Repas onéreux, vêtements de marques, voitures de luxe et même jet privé, on a l'impression qu'ils et elles vivent dans l'excès et l'abondance. Dans cette publication parue en 2019, Nicolas Bérubé, journaliste pour La Presse+, s'attaque aux mythes entourant les ultra riches.
L'auteur va à la rencontre de Québécois et Québécoises ayant une valeur nette de plus d'un million de dollars afin d'en savoir davantage sur leurs parcours et comment ils et elles ont fait pour arriver avec une telle aisance financière. Tu t'en doutes, les millionnaires ne sont pas nécessairement ceux et celles que tu crois.
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L'immobilier à la portée de tous : les meilleures stratégies pour s'enrichir
Livre de Ghislain Larochelle.
Amazon
Prix : 24,95 $
Auteur : Ghislain Larochelle
Quoi savoir sur le livre : Si tu fais défiler les petites annonces et que tu fouines les pages des sites immobiliers pour trouver la perle rare, ce livre de Ghislain Larochelle pourrait bien être pour toi. L'investisseur immobilier t'offre ses meilleurs conseils pour rentabiliser tes futurs achats. Que ce soit pour acheter une maison, faire un « flip », rénover, bien comprendre le marché ou investir dans un immeuble locatif, tu pourras te sentir mieux outillé.e pour débuter ton projet. L'expert livre également ses recommandations et une panoplie d'informations pertinentes sur son compte Instagram @immofacile.
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La retraite à 40 ans : comment déjouer le système pour atteindre la liberté financière
Prix : 19,95 $
Auteur : Jean-Sébastien Pilotte
Quoi savoir sur le livre : Le Montréalais Jean-Sébastien Pilotte est au début de sa quarantaine et est maintenant retraité depuis ses 39 ans. Difficile à croire, alors que la grande majorité de la population québécoise est coincée dans une routine métro-boulot-dodo.
« J’aime l’argent non pas pour le matériel qu’il me permet d’acheter, mais plutôt pour la liberté qu’il me permet d’atteindre », indique l'auteur dans son blogue Jeune Retraité. Si tu aspires à ce genre de vie, ce livre te proposera plusieurs techniques à suivre pour arriver enfin à la liberté financière, et ce, même avant d'avoir des cheveux blancs.
Jean-Sébastien y explique, entre autres, la stratégie FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) et comment déjouer le système pour le rendre à son avantage.
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Histoires de fric : comment éviter les pires erreurs grâce à celles des autres
Livre de Isabelle Ducas.
Amazon
Prix : 26,95 $
Autrice : Isabelle Ducas
Quoi savoir sur le livre : La journaliste de La Presse+ Isabelle Ducas s'est amusée à récolter les nombreuses histoires de la section « Train de vie » de son média afin que tu ne fasses pas les mêmes erreurs financières que certain.es Québécois et Québécoises. Tu pourras y lire de multiples anecdotes inspirées de ces faits réels qui te permettront de prendre le contrôle de tes finances avec de bonnes bases.
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