Danielle Smith: “(The escalator) is kind of counter-intuitive, because if the economy is growing and everybody’s doing better, they…”

Voting yes to questions one through nine is how we send a message to Ottawa that provinces need more autonomy and respect if Canada is going to be stronger and unified.

When a proud, hardworking people feel their contribution is taken for granted and their livelihood is treated as something to be phased out, some begin to ask a painful question: 'Does this country actually want us?

We're going to be pretty busy all through the weekend making sure we get the vote out. I think high voter turnout will really give us a good idea of how Albertans really feel and that's what we're working on.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is also voting to stay in Canada, and says recent joint deals with Ottawa — such as fast-tracking a new oil pipeline — show that a united country can get things done.