Alberta voters reject path toward separation from Canada

Alberta voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to begin the legal process toward a future binding referendum on separation from Canada, according to unofficial results from Monday’s provincial vote.

With more than 1.5 million ballots counted, about 76% supported remaining in Canada, while nearly 24% backed starting the process that could have led to a second vote on independence, Elections Alberta results cited by The Guardian showed. The ballot did not ask voters to approve immediate separation.

Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the outcome, saying Albertans had made a “clear choice” for unity. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who authorized the vote but opposed independence, said the province had chosen “a stronger Alberta in a united Canada.” Delays at about 100 of 1,400 polling stations postponed initial results, and Elections Alberta said counting on other ballot questions could take days.

Separatist leaders indicated that the campaign would continue. Jeffrey Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project said the independence push would “absolutely” carry on, while movement leader Keith Wilson said the result showed that roughly a quarter of voters believed Alberta should be treated better.

Support for separation has been driven partly by complaints that federal environmental policies restrict Alberta’s oil industry and that the province contributes disproportionately to federal finances. The referendum was Alberta’s first vote on a possible path to leaving Canada.