The father and son on opposite sides of Alberta’s separation referendum

Canada October 19, 2026 08:03 AM

On Monday, voters in Alberta will cast their ballots in a referendum that includes a question on whether the western province should remain in Canada or pursue a binding provincial referendum on separation.

The remain side is expected to win, but the vote has caused tensions in Alberta. The BBC’s Nadine Yousif traveled to Buck Lake to speak with the close-knit Pietsch family, who have a father and son on either side of the debate.

The father and son on opposite sides of Alberta’s separation referendum

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