Separatist sentiment has been stirring in the Canadian province of Alberta after the recent national election.

The largely conservative province may hold a referendum on separating from the nation in 2026, according to its premier.

Provincial leader Danielle Smith has made a priority of trying to win Alberta more autonomy from Ottawa The premier of Canada's oil-rich province of Alberta said Monday she would hold a referendum on separation from Canada next year if a citizen-led petition reaches the required number of signatures.