The largely conservative province may hold a referendum on separating from the nation in 2026, according to its premier.

Premier Danielle Smith says her focus will be on repairing the destruction she says Ottawa has caused to Alberta over the past decade as the idea of separation from Canada gains greater public attention.

Danielle Smith said she personally does not support the province leaving Canada and expressed hope of a "path forward" for a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.