Canadian Broadcasting Corp. projects Alberta voters rejected a move toward independence EDMONTON, Alberta -- Canadian Broadcasting Corp. projects Alberta voters rejected a move toward independence. AP's earlier story is below. Canada awaited results Tuesday from a referendum that could put oil-rich Alberta on a path toward independence, testing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for unity amid U.S.
President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation threats. Results were delayed after late openings forced more than 100 polling stations to extend voting hours Monday. More than 1.35 million Albertans, or 43% of eligible voters, cast advance or special ballots.
The vote was not a direct referendum on independence. Albertans were deciding whether to remain in Canada or begin a legal process that could lead to a second vote on separation. Alberta, home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, is cowboy country and a conservative stronghold whose political culture has long had more in common with the American West than much of Canada.
Resentment toward Ottawa runs deep, but has not traditionally translated into widespread support for independence. Dustin Degenhardt, a Wainwright voter, said Albertans have long been mistreated by Ottawa. Dave Malka, 59, of Edmonton, criticized spending money on a “referendum on a referendum” rather than health care.
With Trump threatening Canada, Malka 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, attended a Carney rally wearing maple leaf pants and a Canada hockey jacket. He hopes the vote ends the debate. Even if the proposal fails, separatist leaders say they have turned a fringe cause into a movement that will not disappear.
Carney earlier urged Albertans to deliver a decisive vote for unity. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the referendum amid pressure from separatists within her governing United Conservative Party, even though she opposes independence. She cited a poll showing just 22% support for separation, a figure she said was still too high.
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