They Chose Unity: Carney Hails Alberta Vote To Remain In Canada

Alberta has voted overwhelmingly to remain part of Canada, handing Prime Minister Mark Carney a major victory as he seeks to strengthen national unity amid US President Donald Trump ’s trade war and repeated threats to annex Canada. Preliminary results showed around 75 per cent of voters rejected beginning the process towards a possible separation referendum.

Carney welcomed the outcome on Tuesday, saying Albertans had made their choice to remain united with the rest of the country. “ They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other. Above all, Albertans chose Canada,” he said.

The October 19 vote was not a direct referendum on independence. Instead, voters were asked whether Alberta should remain a Canadian province or begin the constitutional process required to hold a future binding referendum on separation. With roughly three-quarters of voters backing the status quo, the proposed process will not proceed. Official results are expected on October 29.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the result and announced that she would not hold another separation referendum for as long as she remains premier. She said her government would continue pushing for greater provincial autonomy through Canada’s political and legal institutions.

The ballot also contained nine other non-binding questions concerning provincial powers, including immigration, access to public services and voter identification. Preliminary results indicated support for eight of the nine proposals, although some attracted narrow majorities.

Despite the defeat, separatist leaders have vowed to continue their campaign. Jeffrey Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project said the movement would press ahead, while some supporters argued that the vote reflected frustration with Ottawa rather than an unequivocal demand for independence.

The separatist movement has gained traction amid longstanding grievances over federal energy and environmental policies. Alberta, home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, has frequently accused federal governments of restricting its oil industry’s potential.

Trump’s annexation rhetoric and trade tensions have added urgency to the debate. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously described Alberta as a natural partner for the United States, while billionaire Elon Musk publicly backed the province’s separation.

Carney has sought to address Alberta’s concerns by highlighting a proposed new pipeline backed by the federal and provincial governments and the province’s importance in reducing Canada’s dependence on the US. Indigenous First Nations groups have also opposed separation, citing treaties with Ottawa that predate Alberta’s creation as a province.