Political parties stoke separatist sentiment ahead of Alberta vote

CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - Talk of Alberta separating from the rest of Canada is gaining ground ahead of April 16 elections, as a number of political parties in the country's energy heartland seek to capitalise on voter anger with federal policies.

The idea that Alberta could separate has been a fringe idea in the province for years but last month the Alberta Independence Party, which was revived in 2018 after a 17-year hiatus, was awarded official status after registering 63 candidates to fight in the election.