For decades, Alberta separatism was a fringe cause. On Monday, voters in Canada’s oil heartland will decide whether to take the first step toward a referendum on leaving the country. Alberta is not voting on independence itself. Voters are being asked whether to remain in Canada or begin the legal process toward a future separation vote. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the vote but supports remaining in Canada. She says that even minority support for beginning the separation process is “still too high for my liking.” Alberta’s grievances with Ottawa run deep, but separatism remained fringe until pandemic restrictions and the 2022 Freedom Convoy helped turn anti-government anger into an organized independence movement.