Abstimmung: Klare Mehrheit in Alberta gegen Unabhängigkeit von Kanada

The majority of residents in the Canadian province of Alberta appear to oppose further steps towards independence from Canada, according to early predictions. Over 76% of voters expressed their preference for Alberta to remain part of Canada, according to reports from CBC and CTV News. The final outcome is expected to be announced by the electoral authority on October 29th.

Alberta residents voted on Monday in a referendum regarding whether the province should seek a second binding referendum to separate from Canada, as well as nine other issues related to immigration and the constitution. Specifically, voters were asked: "Should Alberta remain a Canadian province, or should the Alberta government initiate the legally required process of a binding referendum to determine if Alberta should separate from Canada or not?"

Alberta, located in the west of the country, is known for its conservative leanings. Many independence advocates believe Alberta contributes significantly economically to Canada's prosperity, but is politically disadvantaged by the government in Ottawa. The province, home to around five million people, is the heart of Canada's oil and gas industry and possesses vast oil sands reserves.

Climate policies of the Canadian federal government, such as carbon taxes and energy sector regulations, are viewed by separatists as an attack on the economic foundation of the province. Separatists had previously announced that they would not consider the referendum a defeat even if it went against them. Canada has held two independence referendums in the past, both in the francophone province of Quebec.

At the beginning of October, the separatist Parti Québécois emerged as the strongest force from regional elections, seeking another referendum on the province's independence. However, according to surveys, there is currently no majority in favor of it.