A student in Calgary, an electrician in Okotoks, and a new Canadian in Red Deer with a range of perspectives on the ballot questions talk about what's informing their decisions ahead of the big vote, and how they feel about building a future in Alberta – regardless of the referendum's results.

Plus: Piya faces off against sports broadcaster Donnovan Bennett and Pemberton, B.C. listener Nina Morley in an all-new round of our monthly challenge, That's Puzzling!

Quebecers will choose their next provincial government on Monday. Polls have consistently shown the Parti Québécois leading, with a potential majority government in sight. A victory could bring their separation referendum promise to life – but is it what Quebecers want? La Presse Ottawa bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance and Le Devoir columnist Emilie Nicolas break down the stakes of the race ahead of voting day.

Plus: The Atlantic Council's Victoria Taylor and The Economist's Gregg Carlstrom unpack what this past week's U.S. withdrawal from Iraq could mean for the country and the region at large.

Laugh, cry, and play along as Piya squares off against Alberta country music star Brett Kissel and Redcliff, Alta. listener Gail Thompson in our monthly battle of brain games devised by Edmonton-based puzzle master, Peter Brown.