Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed preliminary results from Alberta’s referendum, saying voters have made a “clear choice” in favour of remaining part of Canada.
Early projections by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), followed by preliminary results reported by other media, indicated that a majority of voters rejected a proposal to begin the process towards a binding referendum on Alberta’s independence.
With more than one million votes counted, unofficial figures showed approximately 77 per cent supported remaining in Canada, while about 23 per cent backed moving towards a future separation vote. Official results are expected later.
Carney Welcomes Support for Canadian Unity
Reacting to the outcome, Carney said Albertans had chosen unity and cooperation.
“Above all, Albertans chose Canada,” the prime minister said, adding that the country could now focus on strengthening trade, developing major infrastructure projects and expanding its position as a global energy producer.
The result comes amid tensions between Alberta and the federal government in Ottawa, particularly over energy policy, oil production and the province’s contribution to Canada’s economy.
Alberta holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and supporters of independence have argued that the province’s energy wealth would be better managed outside federal control.
Separatist Leaders Promise to Continue Campaign
Despite the preliminary outcome, leaders of Alberta’s separatist movement have vowed not to abandon their campaign.
Jeffrey Rath, a Calgary-based lawyer and prominent figure in the independence movement, described the vote as a first step and said the campaign had gained valuable experience.
Rath argued that the early figures did not tell the entire story and maintained that substantial support for independence remained in the province.
Asked whether separatists would continue seeking votes until they achieved their desired outcome, Rath responded, “Why not?”
His comments suggest that the debate over Alberta’s constitutional future may continue despite the apparent rejection of the proposal.
Indigenous Communities Raise Treaty Concerns
The independence debate has also raised concerns among Indigenous communities in Alberta.
Some Indigenous leaders have opposed separation, arguing that their treaties with the Canadian Crown predate Alberta’s creation as a province and could be affected by any attempt to leave Canada.
The vote was not a direct decision to make Alberta an independent country. Instead, it concerned whether the province should move towards a future binding referendum on separation.
While the preliminary results favour remaining in Canada, the final official figures will determine the formal outcome of the vote.
