Alberta Premier Danielle Smith¡¯s decision to call a referendum that could lead to the energy-rich province separating from Canada has angered both sides of the debate and triggered calls to challenge her leadership.
For decades, aggrieved Albertans have accused the distant federal capital Ottawa of unfairly holding back their province from reaping the rewards of its natural resources, and some have wanted to break away.
Yet while Smith has repeatedly said she wants Canada to remain united, the issue of separation has gained traction in the past year, partly thanks to her own actions.
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