Albertans set to vote Monday on path to binding separation referendum

BBC profile highlights Pietsch family split across Alberta vote

Albertans are scheduled to cast ballots Monday in a referendum that asks whether the western province should remain in Canada or pursue a binding provincial referendum on separation, according to a BBC video report published before the vote. The “remain” side is expected to win, the BBC reports, though the question has caused tensions in the province.

The ballot does not itself decide separation. A result favoring the pursue option on Monday would clear the path to a later binding provincial vote on whether Alberta should leave Canada.

Ahead of the vote, BBC correspondent Nadine Yousif traveled to Buck Lake to speak with the Pietsch family. The BBC described the family as close-knit and noted that it includes a father and a son who stand on opposite sides of the separation debate. The video was produced by Eloise Alanna, per the BBC.