Alberta voters reject independence from Canada in victory for Carney
Voters in Alberta have overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada, with four-fifths of votes counted showing 75% support for staying.
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — A vast majority of Alberta voters opted to remain part of Canada in a recent referendum, according to results released Tuesday, providing a boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney's efforts to promote national unity amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and annexation threats. Of the more than 1.8 million votes counted from 81% of voting areas, 75% of voters chose to stay in Canada, while 25% advocated for initiating a process towards separation.
The vote was not a direct measure of independence, but instead asked if another referendum on independence should be held. Prime Minister Carney stated that roughly a quarter of the voters who supported the proposal should not be considered advocates of independence, as many used it to voice discontent with Ottawa. The results were delayed due to late openings at over 100 polling stations on Monday.
Alberta, known for its oil reserves and conservative values, has historically had strained relations with the Canadian federal government. Separatist parties traditionally attracted minimal support, but recent events, including COVID-19 restrictions and Trump's rhetoric, have mobilized activists and given rise to the separatist movement.
Edmonton voter Shawn Campbell admitted he voted to begin the separation process despite his opposition to leaving Canada, citing discontent with Ottawa. The separatist movement, however, remains determined to persist despite the referendum's outcome.
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