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Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta has rejected a proposal for independence, with voters backing continued membership in Canada in a closely watched referendum.
Results released on Tuesday showed more than 76 per cent of ballots counted supported national unity, according to projections from public broadcaster CBC and private network CTV. The outcome represents a major setback for Alberta separatists, who had pushed for the western province to leave Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result, calling the vote a clear decision to remain united.
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“They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other,” Carney said in a statement posted on X.
The referendum followed months of debate over Alberta’s relationship with the federal government, including disputes over energy policy, oil revenues and the province’s contribution to Canada’s economy.
Alberta holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and dissatisfaction over federal energy and climate policies has played a major role in the separatist movement.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she voted against independence but supported holding the referendum to settle the province’s long-running debate.
Separatist campaigners, however, said the result would not end their push. Jeffrey Rath, a senior figure in the Alberta Prosperity Project, said the group would continue campaigning for independence despite the defeat.
The campaign also attracted attention from prominent figures in the United States. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described Alberta as a “natural partner” for the United States, while Elon Musk publicly backed the idea of the province separating from Canada.
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Carney, who grew up in Alberta, has sought to improve relations between Edmonton and Ottawa since becoming prime minister. His government has worked with Smith on proposals to expand Alberta’s access to overseas oil markets through new pipeline infrastructure.
Supporters of remaining in Canada argued that cooperation with Ottawa offered a more stable path than separation, particularly as Canada faces trade disputes and political pressure from the United States.
The referendum result now gives federalists a decisive victory and could reduce political momentum behind Alberta’s independence movement, although separatist leaders insist the debate is far from over.
