Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she’s appointing a group to negotiate with the Canadian government on removing laws that restrict energy production, adding that a referendum on the province separating from Canada may be on the ballot as soon as next year.

Activists would need signatures from a reduced fraction of Albertans to force a referendum, thanks to a new UCP bill. But to actually win separation, they must climb a much higher wall (and most oppose the idea).

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.