Alberta votes to stay in Canada

Albertans have voted overwhelmingly to remain part of Canada, with more than two-thirds choosing to reject a referendum on independence, according to Elections Alberta.

Smith called the vote on separatist petition

Alberta's leader Danielle Smith called the vote after a grassroots group gathered about three hundred thousand signatures on a petition asking for a binding referendum on separation.

Smith opposed separatism but welcomed result

Smith herself opposed the separatist push but said the public will for a vote was undeniable. She welcomed the results, saying Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada.

“Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada.”

Separatists cite environmental policy concerns

Many separatists argued that the oil-rich province's economic growth had been stifled by the environmental policies of Canada's central government in Ottawa.

Carney calls for unity amid trade tensions

Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed the result as a clear choice and called for Canada to present a united front in the face of external pressures, including an ongoing trade war with the United States.

Separatist leader vows to continue fight

Separatist leader Jeffrey Rath, a lawyer based in Calgary, struck a defiant tone, vowing that our movement isn't stopping and we're continuing to move forward.

“our movement isn't stopping and we're continuing to move forward”

Separatists plan to challenge Smith's leadership

Separatist leaders have indicated they plan to push Smith out of power within her United Conservative Party, hoping to install a leader more sympathetic to their cause.Debate around independence could dominate Alberta politics for years.