The largely conservative province may hold a referendum on separating from the nation in 2026, according to its premier.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she and Prime Minister Mark Carney had a constructive phone call, but “until I see tangible proof of real change, Alberta will be taking steps to better protect ourselves from Ottawa.

The premier announced the “Alberta Next” panel Monday in an 18-minute speech in which she listed a range of complaints, including federal laws strengthening environmental assessment for energy projects, cancellation of pipelines, and taxes on carbon and methane emissions.