Alberta’s amended Referendum Act, which lowers the voter-turnout threshold required to validate a provincial plebiscite, came into force on 4 July. The change makes it procedurally easier for the legislature to call and ratify votes on issues ranging from pension reform to possible secession, and it immediately energised groups on both sides of the province’s sovereignty debate. Only hours after the rule took effect, the Alberta Prosperity Project submitted a constitutional petition seeking judicial confirmation that the province can pursue independence under Canada’s existing legal framework. The advocacy group also released a draft budget outlining how an independent Alberta could eliminate some federal programs, reduce taxes and assume control of postal and other services. Political attention is now shifting to Calgary, where Ontario Premier Doug Ford is scheduled to join Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on 7 July to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding energy and trade corridors. While the agreement focuses on interprovincial pipelines and infrastructure, it is expected to feed wider discussions about Alberta’s future position within—or outside—Confederation.