Alberta Voters Reject Secession by 76% in Referendum, Keeping Oil-Rich Province in Canada
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 20
Alberta Voters Reject Secession by 76% in Referendum, Keeping Oil-Rich Province in Canada
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 20
Summary
With just over one-third of ballots counted, 76% of Alberta voters backed staying in Canada, while 23% supported moving toward a second vote on secession, CBC projected late Monday.
The referendum exposed both Alberta’s long-running resentment of Canada’s central government and newer grievances tied to Covid-era restrictions that helped elevate several separatist leaders.
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result, saying “Albertans chose Canada” and that the country would move forward together.
In Edmonton, anti-secession campaign leader Thomas Lukaszuk said the vote sent a message abroad — including to President Trump — not to “mess with Canada.”