CALGARY — Premier Danielle Smith is set to speak in Calgary today at an event marking Alberta Day. Alberta officially became a Canadian province on Sept. 1, 1905. Various festivities are planned this weekend ahead of the province’s birthday on Tuesday. Smith’s speech at Calgary’s Heritage Park is set to come as the province’s separation referendum nears. The premier has called a vote for Oct. 19 that will ask Albertans whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country. On Saturday, Alberta separatists converged outside the legislature in Edmonton, with many saying Alberta would be better off without Canada after having joined Confederation 121 years ago. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 30, 2026. The Canadian Press
