Alberta separatists say they’ll keep fighting after independence vote
Alberta has voted to remain part of Canada in a nonbinding referendum, with 76% of voters supporting the union and 23% favoring a binding vote on separation. Despite the defeat, Alberta separatists have stated they will continue their fight for independence. The result provides a political boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney as Canada manages a trade war with the United States. The vote follows a period of increased support for Canada and skepticism among voters regarding promises of oil wealth under independence.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Alberta holds the world's 4th-largest oil reserves.
- ✓ Alberta held a nonbinding referendum on whether to leave Canada.
- ✓ Supporters of independence held rallies at the Alberta legislature and in Calgary.
What changed
Alberta voters rejected the first step toward leaving Canada in a nonbinding referendum.
Live updates
-
Alberta Voters Reject Separation from Canada in Nonbinding Referendum
Alberta has voted to remain part of Canada in a nonbinding referendum, with 76% of voters supporting the union and 23% favoring a binding vote on separation. Despite the defeat, Alberta separatists have stated they will continue their fight for independence. The result provides a political boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney as Canada manages a trade war with the United States. The vote follows a period of increased support for Canada and skepticism among voters regarding promises of oil wealth under independence.
Why it matters
Alberta holds the world's 4th-largest oil reserves, making its stability critical to the Canadian economy. Separatists have framed the province as a potential Switzerland of North America. The movement has seen rallies at the legislature and in Calgary.
What is confirmed
- Alberta holds the world's 4th-largest oil reserves.
- Alberta held a nonbinding referendum on whether to leave Canada.
- Supporters of independence held rallies at the Alberta legislature and in Calgary.
Still unconfirmed
- At least 76% of voters supported staying in Canada while 23% backed a binding separation vote.
- The referendum result boosts Prime Minister Mark Carney amid a trade war with the US.
- Alberta separatists intend to continue fighting for independence after the vote.
What to watch next
- Official certification of the referendum results
- Public responses from Alberta separatist leadership
- Canadian government policy shifts regarding Alberta's oil reserves
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (18)
- www.aljazeera.com — Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- The New York Times — A Calgary Crowd Rallies for Canada as Alberta’s Vote on Secession Nears
- Reuters — What does Alberta's referendum on separation from Canada mean?
- Bloomberg.com — Alberta Support for Canada Rises Ahead of Separation Referendum
- Fortune — Alberta, home to the world’s 4th-largest oil reserves, will vote on a first step to leaving Canada
- CBC — Independence supporters rally outside Alberta's legislature Saturday
- AP News — Alberta separatists say they’ll keep fighting after independence vote
- Global News — Alberta separation referendum ‘not very likely’ new poll shows
- Financial Times — ‘The Switzerland of North America’: Albertans vote on leaving Canada
- Bloomberg.com — Alberta Separatists Promise Oil Riches But Voters Are Skeptical
- Al Jazeera — Alberta independence referendum: Will separatists survive a loss?
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community