Alberta voters have rejected a proposal to hold a binding referendum on independence from Canada, delivering a major setback to separatists seeking to break away from the country.
Official results from Monday’s vote showed more than 76 per cent of ballots counted supported Alberta remaining part of Canada, with nearly 45 per cent of ballots tallied, according to reports by Canadian broadcasters CBC and CTV.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the outcome, saying voters had made a clear choice in favour of unity.
The result comes as Canada faces strained relations with the United States over President Donald Trump’s trade policies and repeated threats concerning the country’s sovereignty.
Carney, who grew up in Alberta, had urged residents to reject separatism, arguing that Canada needed stability amid growing economic and political tensions with Washington.
However, separatist leaders said they would continue their campaign despite the defeat. Jeffrey Rath, a leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, insisted that the movement had gained significant ground across the province.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who opposed independence and called the vote, welcomed the support for remaining in Canada. She had argued that the result would help settle a divisive debate over secession.
Thomas Lukaszuk, leader of the pro-unity group Forever Canadian, also praised the turnout and commitment shown by supporters of national unity.
Alberta, home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, has seen growing separatist sentiment driven partly by dissatisfaction with federal policies on the oil industry and environmental regulation.
Supporters of independence have accused previous federal governments of restricting Alberta’s oil production in pursuit of climate goals. The movement has also attracted attention from allies of Trump in the United States.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described Alberta as a natural partner for America, while billionaire Elon Musk recently said the province should separate from Canada. Separatist representatives have also held meetings at the US State Department and received advice from Republican political operatives.
Carney has sought to improve relations with Alberta since taking office last year, including working with Smith to advance a proposed pipeline to expand overseas exports of the province’s bitumen.
Despite the referendum setback, separatist supporters have vowed to continue pressing for independence.
Some voters, however, urged caution. Edmonton resident Haley Erdegard said Alberta should pursue greater co-operation with the rest of Canada before considering a move to establish a separate country.
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