This brewing national-unity crisis has not come about from the tyranny of the majority — it has been created by a minority wielding too much power for its size.

“It’s time to have a vote, understand the will of Albertans on this subject, and move on,” Alberta’s premier said in a televised address Thursday night.

The decision threatens to fracture the premier's support within UCP party ranks as separatist sentiments reach highest pitch in decades.