Alberta Rejects Independence Push

Alberta voters rejected a push toward separation, with preliminary results showing about 76% favored remaining in Canada after more than 1.5 million ballots were counted. About 24% backed starting a legal process that could lead to a future independence referendum. Premier Danielle SmithDanielle SmithPremier of Alberta since 2022 called the nonbinding vote after a petition gathered about 300,000 signatures and separatists in her governing party pressed the issue, though she opposed independence. Supporters argued federal energy rules, fiscal transfers and Ottawa’s power limited Alberta’s oil-rich economy. Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result as a choice for unity. Smith said Albertans had backed a stronger Alberta within Canada. Separatist leaders said the debate would continue.