Alberta’s Smith aims to turn the page after referendum as legislature returns

EDMONTON — Alberta’s legislature is set to reconvene today — just over a week after the province voted overwhelmingly to stay in Canada.

Premier Danielle Smith has said she considers the separatism debate settled, after it riled the province all summer.

She has said she expects separatist leaders in her United Conservative Party to accept the results and turn the page.

Yesterday, one of her backbenchers, Shane Getson, resigned as a member of the legislature, citing personal and family reasons.

Although unofficial referendum results show a slim majority of Albertans want to see immigration reform, legislative changes won’t be immediate.

This fall, Smith’s government says it’s focusing on top-of-mind issues for Albertans like affordability and education.

Government house leader Joseph Schow is also promising consumer protection rules for event ticket sales, changes to auto insurance, and stricter guidelines for artificial intelligence data centres.

New provincial laws governing municipal bike lanes, illegal garbage dumping, and standards for school report cards are also expected before the legislature breaks for Christmas.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press