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.

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

As separatist discontent bubbles up anew in Alberta, experts say a vote to sever ties with Canada would pitch the country into unexplored territory on everything from money to First Nations and national parks.