People in the Canadian province of Alberta are voting on whether to stay in Canada or begin a process for a second, binding referendum on independence. By 2030, those in Québec could face a similar choice.

Polls show that some 70 per cent of people in Alberta and Québec favour remaining in Canada, and many oppose the referendums. Looming large in the background is United States President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for Canada’s annexation while imposing punishing tariffs on the country.

Read more: Canada’s fight with Trump isn’t just economic, it’s existential

Beyond a shared interest in increased autonomy from the federal government, Alberta and Québec have little in common. Alberta’s grievances focus on federal economic, energy and climate policies, immigration and political representation. Québec’s concern is the protection of its distinctive language and culture in an anglo-dominated North America.

In May, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a referendum with two options in a clear bid to unite her divided United Conservative Party (UCP). The move followed a court’s dismissal of a citizen petition on independence pushed by separatist elements within the party.

The announcement came after she signed an energy-climate agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney that eased the way for a new West Coast oil pipeline to ship oil to Asian markets. The deal, she argued, shows........

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