Alberta Referendum: 76.5% Vote to Remain in Canada

Albertans have voted overwhelmingly to remain part of Canada, with early referendum results showing 76.5 per cent supporting the “remain” option and 23.5 per cent backing the referendum option on independence.

The CBC News Decision Desk projected the victory after more than one million votes had been counted. The results followed months of debate over whether Alberta should consider separating from Canada.

Leaders React to the Results

Thomas Lukaszuk, founder of the pro-Canada group Forever Canadian, welcomed the outcome, saying Albertans had shown their commitment to remaining part of the country. He also called for dialogue with those who supported independence.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she was pleased with the initial results, describing them as widespread support for a united Canada. She had previously indicated she would not hold another independence referendum while serving as premier if Albertans voted to remain.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also welcomed the outcome, saying the results showed that Albertans and other Canadians could move forward together.

Separatists Say the Debate Will Continue

Supporters of independence argued that Alberta had been treated unfairly by the federal government, particularly over environmental policies affecting the oil and gas industry.

Although the separation option was projected to lose, independence campaigners said the result showed that many Albertans still wanted changes in the province’s relationship with Ottawa. Some also questioned whether Smith should continue leading the United Conservative Party given divisions within its ranks.

Other Referendum Questions

Voters also answered nine other questions covering immigration and proposed constitutional changes. Those results were still being counted at the time of the report.

The referendum attracted significant participation, with more than 1.3 million people voting early or by mail. However, delays occurred after more than 100 polling stations reportedly failed to open on time, while one station remaining open longer than expected delayed the announcement of independence results.

The outcome keeps Alberta within Canada for now, but the results suggest that debate over the province’s relationship with the federal government is likely to continue.

CBC News