Alberta voters reject move toward independence from Canada

Voters in Alberta have decisively rejected a proposal that could have started a legal process toward the province’s separation from Canada.

With most ballots counted from Monday’s nonbinding vote, preliminary results showed about 76% supported Alberta remaining a Canadian province, while roughly 24% favored beginning the process required to hold a future binding referendum on independence. Official results are expected on October 29.

The ballot was not a direct vote to leave Canada. It asked Albertans to choose between remaining in the federation and directing the provincial government to begin the constitutional process for a second, binding vote on separation.

Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result, saying Albertans “made a clear choice” and “chose unity.” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who called the referendum in May while opposing independence, said she was pleased that early results showed widespread support for remaining in Canada.

Separatist leader Keith Wilson said the preliminary tally still demonstrated that about a quarter of voters believed Alberta needed better treatment. Supporters of separation have argued that the oil-producing province contributes more to Canada than it receives and faces excessive federal regulation.

More than 1.35 million people, representing about 43% of eligible voters, cast advance or special ballots. Reporting of the results was delayed after more than 100 polling stations extended voting because they opened late.