Alberta announced a referendum vote for October 19 on whether to explore a path toward independence, according to France24. Separatists in Alberta spent months collecting signatures seeking to trigger a binding October vote on seceding from the nation, reported by the Guardian. Alberta’s premier called for the referendum after a judge ruled the initiative to force a binding vote invalid, also reported by the Guardian. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Alberta’s planned vote on potentially breaking away from the country could become a ‘dangerous bluff’, according to Bluesky. Carney has urged unity and said his government is ‘working with Alberta on making it better’, reported by France24. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith insists she still supports remaining in Canada, according to France24. Alberta separatists are gaining momentum as Canada faces its biggest unity crisis in decades, reported by Al Jazeera.