Albertans Vote to Remain in Canada, Rejecting Separation Referendum
CBC News projects that Alberta voters have chosen to remain in Canada, with 76.5 per cent opposing a second independence referendum. The vote saw record turnout despite polling delays, prompting reactions from provincial and federal leaders.
CBC News has projected that Albertans voted to remain in Canada, rejecting a referendum on separation. With more than one million votes counted as of 12:30 a.m., 76.5 per cent of voters supported the "remain" option, while 23.5 per cent voted in favour of holding a second referendum for independence.
Ten questions were put to Albertans in the referendum, including one on independence, five related to immigration, and four proposing constitutional changes. Elections Alberta projected a record turnout of 80 to 85 per cent, compared to 60.5 per cent in the last provincial election. More than 1.3 million people chose to vote early via advance polls or mail-in ballots.
The release of final results was delayed after the election agency announced that more than 100 stations failed to open on time. Results for the independence question were further delayed because one polling station in Cardston-Siksika remained open longer than anticipated.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wrote on X that she was "very pleased" with initial results showing widespread support for remaining in Canada. Smith previously stated that if Albertans voted to remain, she would not hold a second independence referendum as long as she was premier.
Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement saying the results indicate Albertans and Canadians will move forward together with renewed purpose.
Federalist groups celebrated the outcome. Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk stated at a rally that the results send a message that Alberta is not the "weak link" in Confederation. Monte Solberg, founder of Vote to Stay, called for putting the question of separation to rest and building a stronger Alberta within a united Canada.
Pro-independence leaders acknowledged the loss but emphasized the significant minority support. Keith Wilson, co-leader of Let Alberta Decide, noted that around a quarter of Albertans feel the province needs better treatment within Confederation.
The outcome has also prompted internal debate within the United Conservative Party (UCP). Jeffrey Rath, co-founder of Alberta Prosperity Project, suggested the UCP should discuss whether it wants to be led by a federalist given party voter preferences. Cory Morgan, founder of Pathway to Independence, argued against turning the UCP into a separatist party, citing the 75 per cent vote against separation.