Alberta voters reject proposal for separation from Canada

Voters in the Canadian province of Alberta have rejected by a large majority a proposal to begin the legal process toward separation from Canada. According to unofficial results released by Elections Alberta, the outcome is being seen as a major victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney and supporters of national unity.
After counting more than 1.5 million votes, about 76 per cent of voters supported Alberta remaining part of Canada, while around 24 per cent backed starting legal proceedings for a future referendum on separation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result, saying the people of Alberta had made a clear choice for unity, development and mutual support. He said they had chosen Canada. Carney, who was raised in Edmonton, said the outcome would help Canada diversify trade, advance major infrastructure projects and become a global energy powerhouse with Alberta at its centre.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also welcomed the result, saying voters had chosen a stronger Alberta within a united Canada. However, separatist campaigners said the result reflected continued public frustration with the federal government. Movement leader Keith Wilson said at least one-quarter of Albertans believe the province deserves better treatment.
Voters were not directly asked whether Alberta should become an independent country. Instead, they were asked whether the provincial government should begin the legal process required to hold a binding referendum on separation. The question was among 10 issues put before voters on Monday, alongside immigration, health, education and the province’s constitutional powers.
Results from about 100 of the province’s nearly 1,400 polling stations were delayed by more than two hours. Elections Alberta said finalising the remaining results could take several days. Around 43 per cent of eligible voters, or roughly 1.3 million people, had already voted in advance or by mail.