Albertans are heading to the polls on Monday for a nonbinding referendum to decide if the province should remain part of Canada or begin the legal process toward a future binding independence vote.
Premier Danielle Smith stated that she called the vote in order to put the issue to rest. The referendum has exposed deep divisions within the province, including within the separatist movement itself.
While the separatist cause is widely expected to face defeat, one of the movement's leading figures has vowed to continue the fight even if voters reject the proposal. Many believe the debate will not be settled by the outcome, as history suggests that losing a referendum may not end the push for separation.