Alberta voters choose to stay in Canada, about 77% say in preliminary results
In short
About 77% of participants in a referendum in Canada's Alberta province voted for the region to remain part of Canada, according to preliminary results cited by Meduza from Associated Press. The ballot did not ask directly about separation. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Albertans chose unity.
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About 77% of participants in a referendum in the Canadian province of Alberta voted for the region to remain part of Canada, Meduza reported on 20 October, citing preliminary results from Associated Press. TASS reported that almost 77% of residents supported keeping the region within Canada, and RBC reported that the majority of residents voted to stay in the country. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
According to Meduza, the ballot did not contain a direct question about separating the province from Canada. Residents were asked whether the region should remain in Canada or begin a legal process for a binding vote on separation. The majority chose the option "Alberta should remain a province of Canada", while 23% of voters supported a referendum on separation. [ 3 ]
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said: "On 19 October, Albertans made a clear choice. They chose unity, a shared future and mutual care for one another. First of all, Albertans chose Canada." [ 3 ]
Meduza said the government of Alberta, which it described as rich in oil and gas, announced in May that it would add to the autumn referendum a question on whether the region should remain in Canada. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith had said the referendum would not lead to the province separating from Canada, but that a vote in favour would help the provincial authorities understand which direction citizens want to move in. [ 3 ]
Meduza also noted that sources of the Financial Times said in January that representatives of the administration of US President Donald Trump had met several times with representatives of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a Canadian separatist movement that advocates independence for Alberta. Trump has several times suggested that Canada become the 51st US state. Carney responded that "Canada will never be part of America in any shape or form". [ 3 ]
Why it matters
The documents present the result as a vote for Alberta to stay in Canada. Meduza notes that the province's premier had said the vote would not lead to separation but would help the provincial authorities understand which direction residents want to take.
Key facts
- Almost 77% of residents of Alberta voted for the region to remain part of Canada, TASS reported. [ 1 ]
- Meduza, citing Associated Press, said preliminary results showed about 77% of referendum participants wanted Alberta to remain in Canada. [ 3 ]
- The ballot question asked whether the region should remain in Canada or begin a legal process for a binding vote on separation. [ 3 ]
- The option "Alberta should remain a province of Canada" won the majority; 23% voted for a referendum on separation. [ 3 ]
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that on October 19 Albertans made a clear choice and chose unity and Canada. [ 3 ]
- RBC reported that the majority of Alberta residents voted to stay in the country. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the 77% figure is final Meduza, citing Associated Press, describes the figures as preliminary results; the other documents give no final tally.
- Turnout and the vote count None of the documents gives turnout or the number of votes cast.