Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a televised address Thursday that the ballot question on Oct. 19 will ask voters whether they want the province to remain part of Canada, or start the legal process to hold a second, binding vote on separation. (The Logic)

Talking point: Earlier this month, the court ruled Alberta’s chief electoral officer never should have allowed a citizens’ referendum petition to go ahead because the province has a duty to consult with First Nations. Smith has promised to appeal that decision. She said she supports Alberta staying in Canada, but that the government is putting forward its own referendum question because the appeal process could take years. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday that Alberta has an essential role to play in making Canada better, and pointed to his recent energy-sector agreement with Smith to build a new pipeline to the B.C. coast. Her plan has been met with criticism from both sides of the separation debate.