Alberta voters back staying in Canada by 76%, rejecting a path toward separation
With more than 1.5 million votes counted, 76% of Alberta voters supported remaining in Canada while close to 24% backed beginning a process toward separation, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta. The referendum was not a direct vote on independence but would have set Alberta on a path toward a future binding vote on separation. Official results are scheduled to be published on October 29.
Voters in Alberta, Canada's oil-rich western province, delivered a decisive result in a non-binding referendum held Monday, with early projections showing roughly three-quarters of participants opting to remain part of Canada. Results were delayed after late openings at more than 100 polling stations forced extended voting hours.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the outcome, stating "Albertans made a clear choice. They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other. Above all, Albertans chose Canada." Carney said the result would allow Canada to move forward together, accelerate trade diversification, develop major infrastructure projects, and build Alberta's role as a global energy powerhouse. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who called the referendum amid pressure from separatists within her governing United Conservative Party despite personally opposing independence, also welcomed early results, posting that "Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada."
Separatist leaders interpreted the outcome differently. Keith Wilson, a leader of the separatist movement and co-chair of the Let Alberta Decide group, said that "at least a quarter of Albertans feel that Alberta needs to be treated better" and that the conversation about Alberta's future in Canada "will continue." Jeff Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project told supporters at a referendum night gathering in Edmonton that the movement had "dominated the conversation in the last year" and would continue forward. Rath had previously said he would consider 30% support a strong result and expressed interest in seeing the ruling UCP potentially splinter into a new pro-independence party.