Alberta voters reject independence referendum, backing Canadian unity
Albertans vote against beginning a process toward separation from Canada in early Tuesday results.
At a glance
- About 76% of votes counted supported remaining in Canada versus 23% for beginning a separation process
- The vote would have initiated a legal process potentially leading to a second referendum on independence
- More than 1.35 million Albertans cast advance or special ballots, representing 43% of eligible voters
- Voting delays forced extended hours at over 100 polling stations
Voters in Canada's oil-rich province of Alberta have rejected a proposal to begin a process toward independence, according to results released early Tuesday. With more than 1 million votes counted, approximately 76% supported remaining in Canada, while about 23% backed initiating a process that could lead to separation.
The referendum was not a direct vote on independence but would have set Alberta on a path toward a future separation vote. Voting was delayed after more than 100 polling stations extended hours on Monday. Thomas Lukaszuk, who led the campaign against separation, said the result demonstrated Canadian unity.
Why it matters
Alberta holds the world's fourth-largest proven oil reserves. The province has historically shown political alignment with the American West rather than other parts of Canada.
Original reporting
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