Alberta Voters Reject Independence Referendum Plan in Unofficial Poll Results

Key summary

Unofficial results from an unofficial referendum held on Tuesday, October 20, indicate that 76% of voters in Alberta rejected a plan for a binding independence referendum and expressed a desire to remain part of Canada. CBC and CTV television stations projected a clear victory for the federalist side. The St. Albert Gazette reported that out of 1,382,008 votes counted, 76% favored staying with Canada, while approximately 25%, represented by 448,239 votes, supported initiating the binding independence process under Canadian constitutional law. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who grew up in Alberta, welcomed the outcome via a statement on X, stating that Albertans have clearly chosen unity to build together and care for one another. He urged Albertans to reject separatists, noting Canada's need for stability amidst trade wars with President Donald Trump and threats of annexation as the 51st US state. Jeffrey Rath, leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a white Canadian independence group, stated he would continue pushing for Alberta's independence regardless of the result, claiming victory in mobilizing support and educating residents on the benefits of independence. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, a conservative politician who opposed independence, praised the broad support for remaining with Canada on Tuesday. She confirmed that the vote was a win for federalists to resolve the province's separation issue. AFP reported that Alberta is the world's fourth-largest oil source, and separatists were driven by anger over oil industry management. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Alberta a natural ally for the US, while Elon Musk, following his successful flying car launch, supported the independence faction, stating Alberta deserves independence.