The premier of Alberta says she will hold a referendum next year on the energy rich province separating from Canada if citizens gather the required number of signatures on a petition.

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.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she and Prime Minister Mark Carney had a constructive phone call, but “until I see tangible proof of real change, Alberta will be taking steps to better protect ourselves from Ottawa.