Hundreds rallied at the Alberta legislature Saturday to express support for Alberta’s separation from Canada, following another federal Liberal election victory. Many in the crowd waved provincial flags, with some even holding American ones.

Former Canadian nationalist Katheryn Speck, now backing separation, said years of energy policy setbacks and political marginalization have left her feeling “crushed.” “Once the votes are counted in Ontario, the election is over. We don’t matter,” she said.

The rally follows Premier Danielle Smith’s proposal to make referendums easier to trigger, opening the door to a potential sovereignty vote. While Smith says she’s not advocating separation, she supports a more autonomous Alberta within Canada.

Seventeen-year-old Hannah Henze said she might feel differently if the Conservatives had won: “A third or fourth Liberal term… is just going to ruin our country.” Other attendees, like Leo Jensen, criticized Ottawa’s perceived bias toward Quebec and neglect of Alberta’s oil and gas sector.

The protest also drew counter-demonstrators who warned that secession would violate treaties with Indigenous Peoples. Piikani Nation Chief Troy Knowlton emphasized that Alberta cannot override treaty rights, a point Smith acknowledged, noting that First Nations’ relationship with Ottawa is “enshrined in treaty.”

Despite her past warnings of a “national unity crisis,” Smith reiterated she supports Alberta’s sovereignty within a united Canada—not outright independence.