The referendum will be held on October 19, but it is seen mainly as symbolic, and the result would not be binding on Alberta's eventual independence.
According to Danielle Smith, the vote aims to determine whether the provincial government should begin the legal process required to leave Canada - which would then require a new referendum on the issue at a later date.
In addition, negotiations are required at the federal level, as the province cannot leave the country on its own.
Separatists have recently submitted around 300,000 signatures in support of holding the vote.
