Alberta Voters Reject Independence Move, Back Canadian Unity

With more than one million votes counted, 77% of Alberta voters supported remaining in Canada, while 23% backed beginning a process toward separation, according to unofficial referendum results. The vote was not a direct independence referendum; approval would have set Alberta on a path toward a later separation vote. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the result a clear choice for unity and said Canada could now focus on diversifying trade and developing infrastructure. Premier Danielle Smith also welcomed the outcome.