Alberta votes to remain

Alberta residents voted to stay part of Canada in the province's first-ever referendum on separation. CBC News called the result late Monday after thirty-three percent of votes were counted.

The vote was decisive

At the time CBC called the result, seventy-six percent of tallied votes supported remaining in Canada versus twenty-three percent in favour of pursuing a binding separation vote. The referendum itself was non-binding.

Carney hails unity

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the result was a win for his efforts to unify the country amid a trade war with the US.He said Albertans chose unity and to take care of each other.

“Canada is greater than the sum of its parts.”

Smith backs the result

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who announced the referendum in May, said she was very pleased with early results showing widespread support for remaining in Canada. She planned to address Albertans on Tuesday about the outcome.

Separatists made their case

A small but vocal group campaigned for months arguing Alberta's energy wealth subsidises poorer parts of Canada and the province would be far richer without Ottawa bureaucracy impeding its path.

First Nations objected

First Nations groups opposed independence because their land treaties with Ottawa predate Alberta's creation within Canada.

Separatists vow to continue

Before the referendum, some separatist leaders said they would pursue another vote even if most Albertans voted to remain.