Canada’s Alberta province votes to remain part of country
Voters in Canada’s Alberta province have overwhelmingly backed remaining in the country, with early referendum results showing 77% opposed to beginning a process towards separation.
With more than one million votes counted, 23% supported starting the process to separate from Canada, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta.
The referendum was not a direct vote on independence. A victory for the separatist side would have set the province on a path towards a future vote on separation.
“Albertans made a clear choice,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said. “They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other. Above all, Albertans chose Canada.”
He said the result would allow Canadians to move forward together, diversify trade, advance major infrastructure projects and strengthen the country’s position as a global energy powerhouse, with Alberta playing a central role.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also welcomed the early results, saying they reflected broad support for remaining in Canada.
“Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada,” Smith said in a social media post.
Separatist leaders, however, said the campaign had demonstrated significant support for the province to seek a different relationship with the federal government.
“We don’t have the final results. I think the numbers are going to fluctuate, but it is fair to say that at least a quarter of Albertans feel that Alberta needs to be treated better,” said Keith Wilson, a leader of the separatist movement.
Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Alberta deputy premier who led the Forever Canadian campaign against separation, welcomed the results.
“We are a solid country that’s united from coast to coast to coast,” he told supporters.
The results were delayed after polling stations that opened late were required to extend voting hours on Monday.
Alberta, home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, is a conservative stronghold whose political culture has long had more in common with the American West than much of Canada.
Resentment towards the federal government in Ottawa runs deep, although it has not traditionally translated into widespread support for independence.
Separatist parties have historically attracted only 1% to 2% of the vote, according to former Alberta premier Jason Kenney. Anger over COVID-19 restrictions helped mobilise activists who later joined the separatist movement, he said.