EDMONTON: Preliminary results show more than two-thirds of voters backed keeping Alberta in Canada in Monday’s non-binding referendum. They rejected starting a process towards a binding independence vote.
The Alberta referendum asked whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the legal process for a subsequent separation vote. It did not directly decide independence.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, welcomed the outcome, saying Albertans had clearly chosen national unity. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who campaigned against separation, also thanked voters. However, separatist leaders pledged to continue their campaign.
Mitch Sylvestre told the BBC he was “Not happy” with the result. Calgary lawyer Jeffrey Rath promised further work, while fellow separatist Keith Wilson argued that debate over Alberta’s future would continue.
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Smith had lowered the petition threshold for citizen-led referendum campaigns before putting the issue to voters. She told CBC during the campaign that she would not hold an independence referendum after a rejection while she remained premier.
Meanwhile, pro-unity campaigner Thomas Lukaszuk urged supporters in Edmonton to address the divisions the debate exposed. He acknowledged that separatists had raised some legitimate concerns.
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Supporters of independence argue that federal policies have undermined Alberta’s oil and gas industry. Some voters opposed separation, fearing it could leave the province vulnerable to outside influence.
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Alongside the separation question, voters considered nine other proposals, including greater provincial control over immigration. Those results remain preliminary. Elections Alberta is scheduled to release official results on October 29.
