More than 1.4 million votes were counted in the referendum, which was not a direct vote on independence but would have set Alberta on a path toward a future secession vote had it passed. The outcome was a victory for Carney, who has sought to rally national unity in the face of Trump's trade tariffs and repeated suggestions that Canada become the 51st US state.
“Albertans made a clear choice,” Carney said. “They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other. Above all, Albertans chose Canada.” He said the result would accelerate efforts to diversify trade, develop major infrastructure projects and make Canada a global energy powerhouse, with Alberta at its centre.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who called the referendum under pressure from separatists within her United Conservative Party despite opposing independence, welcomed the early results. “Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada,” she posted on social media. Smith said she would address the province on Tuesday evening about the results and Alberta’s future.
Separatist leaders, however, saw grounds for persistence. “We don’t have the final results. I think the numbers are going to fluctuate, but it is fair to say that at least a quarter of Albertans feel that Alberta needs to be treated better,” said Keith Wilson, a separatist movement leader. Jeff Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project said the movement would continue, adding he would be thrilled if 30 per cent had backed the separation process. He called for Smith to be ousted as UCP leader and predicted the party could splinter, potentially giving rise to a new pro-independence party.
Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Alberta deputy premier who led the Forever Canadian campaign against separation, told supporters: “We are a solid country that’s united from coast to coast to coast.”
Resentment toward Ottawa has long run deep in Alberta, home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, but historically separatist parties have attracted only 1 or 2 per cent of the vote. Former premier Jason Kenney said anger over COVID-19 restrictions helped mobilise activists who later embraced separatism. Trump’s trade war and annexation threats have given Carney an opening to rally support in a province where Liberal prime ministers are usually unpopular.
Voters expressed mixed feelings. Dave Malka, 59, of Edmonton, criticised spending on a “referendum on a referendum” rather than health care. With Trump threatening Canada, he said, “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, who attended a Carney rally wearing maple leaf pants and a Canada hockey jacket, said he hoped the vote ended the debate. “I hope this squashes this for a long time to come and that it’s clear and decisive, that these grumblings disappear for a while and we can be a united Canada,” he said.
The referendum faced delays after late openings forced more than 100 polling stations to extend voting hours Monday.