Alberta rejects move towards independence from Canada

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With more than 1.5 million votes counted, the majority supported remaining while about 24 per cent backed beginning a process toward independence, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta. 

The referendum was not a direct vote on independence as approval would have set Alberta on a path toward a future vote on independence.

Welcoming the results, Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “Albertans made a clear choice. 

“They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other. Above all, Albertans chose Canada.”

He said the result would allow Canadians to move forward together and accelerate efforts to diversify trade and make Canada a global energy powerhouse.

Pro-independence leader Keith Wilson said the results showed that it was “fair to say that at least a quarter of Albertans feel that Alberta needs to be treated better.”

Premier Danielle Smith, who called the referendum amid pressure from independence campaigners within her governing United Conservative Party despite opposing independence, welcomed the early results. 

“Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada,” she posted online.

Alberta, a conservative stronghold home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, has deep resentment toward Ottawa, but this has not traditionally translated into wide support for independence. 

And US President Donald Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st US state helped Mr Carney rally support.

Voter Dustin Degenhardt said Alberta had long been mistreated by the federal government, adding: “Alberta has essentially been treated as, you know, a colony. 

“They want to take and take and take from us, and not return anything.”

Dave Malka, 59, of Edmonton, criticised spending on a “referendum on a referendum” rather than healthcare. 

With the US president threatening Canada, he said: “It seems to be happening at the absolute worst time when we should be united; instead we’re fighting among ourselves.”

Results were delayed after late openings forced more than 100 polling stations to extend voting hours on Monday.