Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is to take questions from reporters today after announcing that if citizens gather enough signatures, she will call a referendum on separating from Canada.

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.

The premier of Alberta says she will hold a referendum next year on the energy rich province separating from Canada if citizens gather the required number of signatures on a petition.