Alberta’s New Referendum Rules Launch July 4 as Anti-Separatists Seek to Counter Independence Push

Artwork about Alberta independence is seen on the outside of a house in Edmonton on June 15, 2025. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

Alberta’s new lower bar for referendums is set to go into effect July 4 as anti-separatist petitioners led by former Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk seek to beat the separatist movement to a referendum question.

The changes making it easier for Albertans to hold a referendum were introduced April 29 by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Though it came one day after the April 28 election that saw the federal Liberals re-elected, Smith said the changes would have been put forward regardless.