Reuters reported that separatists in Alberta, Canada, have recently met with U.S. officials. These separatists are currently collecting signatures to launch a petition calling for a referendum on Alberta's secession from Canada. To hold a referendum, at least 10% of the province's registered voters, which is 177,732 signatures, must be collected.
Separatists in Alberta said that although they recently met with U.S. officials, they do not seek to become U.S. citizens. As Jeff Raser of the Alberta Prosperity Project said, they are pursuing the establishment of an independent country.
Alberta's provincial premier Danielle Smith said she hopes Alberta remains part of Canada, but she does not oppose the referendum, and it was she who ordered the reduction of the minimum number of signatures required for a provincial referendum in Alberta by half.
Many residents of Alberta believe that being part of Canada hinders the province's economic development because most of Canada's oil and gas are produced here. However, most Albertans do not support separatism. A recent survey showed that 71% of Albertans hope the province will remain part of Canada.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1857014673261632/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.