People of Alberta choose to stay with Canada

Preliminary referendum results show the majority of Alberta residents chose to remain with Canada, thwarting the separatist faction's plan.

Alberta residents have overwhelmingly voted to remain part of Canada, with preliminary referendum results indicating a clear defeat for the separatist movement. National broadcasters CBC and CTV reported that with 33% of votes counted on the night of 19/10, 76% of voters supported Alberta staying in Canada, while 23% favored the province holding a binding referendum on separation.

Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the outcome, stating, "The people of Alberta have made a clear choice. They chose unity, to build together and care for one another."

Federalist supporters cheered as preliminary vote counts in Alberta were announced on the night of 19/10. Photo: Reuters

Federalist supporters gathered in Edmonton, Alberta's provincial capital, where a band performed as attendees eagerly awaited the results. Thomas Lukaszuk, head of the Forever Canadian group, which advocates for national unity across the province, expressed his delight: "It's wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and determination of Canadians."

In stark contrast, a somber mood enveloped a restaurant in Edmonton where the separatist group monitored the vote results. Jeffrey Rath, a senior leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, vowed that efforts to promote an independent Alberta would "certainly" continue despite the outcome. "We have learned many lessons from this struggle", he remarked.

Sadness of separatist supporters in Alberta. Photo: AFP

Jour Dain, a separatist supporter, voiced his disappointment with his fellow Albertans. "Honestly, if things continue with Alberta remaining in Canada, I will move away", the 40-year-old man said, expressing a desire to live in the United States.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who voted against separation, expressed "great joy" about the results. She had previously stated that a federalist victory would definitively conclude this divisive issue.

The movement for separation in Alberta, a province boasting the world's 4th largest oil reserves, largely stemmed from discontent over the federal government's management of the oil and gas industry. Many Albertans had expressed dissatisfaction with Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister Carney's predecessor, accusing him of attempting to limit oil production to advance a climate-focused agenda.