Alberta votes against independence proposal
Voters in Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta have rejected a proposal to begin a process toward independence, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. projected early Tuesday, delivering a victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney and supporters of Canadian unity amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation threats, reports BritPanorama.
The vote was not a direct referendum on independence but would have set Alberta on a path toward a future vote on separation from Canada.
With more than 1 million votes counted, about 76% supported remaining in Canada, compared to 23% who backed beginning a process that could lead to separation.
Results were delayed after late openings forced more than 100 polling stations to extend voting hours. More than 1.35 million Albertans, or 43% of eligible voters, cast advance or special ballots. The residents were deciding whether to stay part of Canada or begin a legal process that could lead to a second vote on separation.
Alberta, home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, is known for its conservative political culture, which has historically resonated more with the American West than with much of Canada. Resentment toward Ottawa runs deep in the province but has not traditionally translated into widespread support for independence.
Dustin Degenhardt, a Wainwright voter, remarked that Albertans have long felt mistreated by Ottawa. “Alberta has essentially been treated as, you know, a colony,” he said after voting Monday. “They want to take and take and take from us and not return anything.”
Another voter, Taylor MacIsaac, expressed her support for separation, saying, “I think it’ll be good for Alberta to separate personally, as a very conservative individual that grew up in rural Alberta.”
In contrast, Dave Malka from Edmonton criticized the spending on a “referendum on a referendum” rather than on health care. He pointed out that with Trump threatening Canada, “It seems to be happening at the absolute worst time when we should be united; instead we’re fighting among ourselves.”
Jake Graham, 35, of Calgary, attended a Carney rally and expressed hope that the vote would silence separatist debates for a while. “I hope this squashes this for a long time to come and that it’s clear and decisive,” he said, “that these grumblings disappear for a while and we can be a united Canada.”
Despite the proposal’s apparent failure, separatist leaders believe they succeeded in transforming a fringe cause into a more substantial movement. Carney had urged Albertans to deliver a decisive vote for unity, stating, “Vote like Canada’s future depends on it because it does.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the referendum under pressure from separatists within her governing United Conservative Party, despite opposing independence. She cited a poll showing just 22% support for separation, which she considered still too high.
Separatist parties have traditionally attracted only 1% or 2% of the vote, according to former Premier Jason Kenney. He noted that anger over COVID-19 restrictions mobilized activists who later embraced the separatist movement.
Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st U.S. state have bolstered Carney’s support in Alberta, where Liberal prime ministers have historically faced unpopularity.
Separatist advocate Jeff Rath indicated he would be pleased if 30% of Albertans voted to initiate the separation process. He aims to oust Smith as leader of her party and has suggested that the party could splinter, potentially creating a new pro-independence entity.
