Alberta's independence vote Monday

Voters in Canada's oil-rich Alberta province decide Monday whether to open a path towards an independence referendum. The consultation tests national unity as PM Mark Carney confronts a trade war with the US.

Record early voting in Alberta

More than one point three five million people, representing forty three percent of eligible voters, cast advance or special ballots before Monday's consultation.

Carney urges voters to turn out

Opinion polls put support for independence at roughly a quarter of Albertans. PM Carney, who grew up in Edmonton, has urged voters to turn out rather than assume the result is settled.

“Canada is worth fighting for. And that means turning up and voting. Polls don't vote, people do.”

Ten questions on Alberta's future

Monday's ballot contains ten questions covering immigration, constitutional changes and Alberta's relationship with the federal government.

Oil wealth fuels the independence debate

Alberta holds most of Canada's proven oil reserves.Separatists say residents should benefit more directly from those resources and resent federal taxes and policies they believe constrain the industry.

First Nations veto over separation

Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation says Alberta cannot leave without First Nations' consent, citing treaties that predate the province. His nation, he says, would remain in Canada regardless of Monday's result.