CALGARY, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Separatists in Alberta are ramping up a petition campaign aimed at triggering an independence vote in the western province that has long complained its economy is being held back by the rest of Canada.

The prospect of an independence referendum in the western Canadian province of Alberta appears closer than ever, but an online graphic claiming that over half of residents support provincial

Alberta is not a place that ‘doesn’t matter’ economically; the anger of those who want to separate from Canada stems from the belief that it matters a great deal and is still being disrespected.

Separatists in Canada's oil heartland are accelerating a petition drive to force a referendum on Alberta's independence, testing Prime Minister Mark Carney's push to project unity as relations with the United States fray over tariffs and annexation talk.

Oil-rich Alberta is poised to hold an independence referendum this year, with the American president’s allies cheering it on.

When former Alberta premier Jason Kenney launched the province’s Alberta is Calling campaign in August 2022, the promises were sweeping and highly visible — move west for higher wages, more affordable housing,

The outreach team, which is based in the city's Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre, responds to overdoses in the area, cleans needle debris and responds to community concerns. But the 24/7 team will soon see its hours cut,