Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Albertans made a "clear choice" to remain part of the country following a provincial vote on a range of issues, including a potential independence referendum.
According to early projections from the CBC after polls closed on Monday, October 19, roughly three-quarters of voters rejected holding a binding referendum on separating from Canada. Voters cast ballots across 10 distinct questions covering topics such as immigration, social services, voter ID, and provincial sovereignty.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the early numbers, stating that residents "voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada." Smith had previously indicated that if the separation question was voted down, a referendum would not move forward while she remains in power.
Meanwhile, pro-independence figures signaled that local discussions surrounding sovereignty are set to continue. Jeffrey Rath, a lawyer and separatist movement leader, told the BBC that the vote served as a foundational step and that their campaign will push forward.
Elections Alberta coordinated hand-counting for millions of colour-coded ballots across the province. While preliminary figures on the separation question emerged early Tuesday morning, official and final results for all ten questions are expected later in the week.