Alberta voters rejected a proposal to begin steps toward separation from Canada, with unofficial results showing roughly 76% backed staying.
The Oct. 19 ballot did not ask Albertans to leave Canada directly. It asked whether the province should stay or begin the legal process for a later, binding referendum on separation. As counting continued Tuesday, reported results still showed more than three-quarters of voters choosing to stay, with roughly one-quarter supporting the process.
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result as a show of national unity amid tensions with the United States. Premier Danielle Smith, who called the referendum while opposing separation, said she would respect the result. She said she would not hold another separation referendum while she remains in office.
She said Alberta would continue pressing Ottawa on provincial concerns, but within Canada’s political system. Separatist advocates said support for starting the process reflected ongoing frustration with the federal government. Their proposal suffered a decisive defeat.
The result settles the referendum’s question about separation for now. The other nine ballot questions, covering issues including immigration and provincial powers, showed a more divided electorate.