Albertans reject separation referendum, with 76.4% voting to stay in Canada
The margin was wider than final pre-vote polling suggested. Angus Reid’s survey had 66% backing the “remain” option, and other recent polls ranged from roughly 65% to 74%.
Premier Danielle Smith, who urged voters to stay in Canada while campaigning for “yes” votes on the first nine questions, said in a social media post that she was “very pleased” with the early results, the Globe and Mail reported. Smith planned to address Albertans on Tuesday evening.
Turnout and the other nine questions
Elections Alberta said 43.1% of the province’s 3,148,343 eligible voters had cast ballots at advance polls or by mail before Monday, according to CP24. That compares with 27.5% in the 2023 provincial election. The 2021 referendum drew 39% turnout overall.
The first nine questions covered immigration and constitutional powers. Five asked about immigrants’ access to health care, education and citizenship, and four concerned Alberta’s constitutional and judicial authority. CTV reported that early results were split, with the immigration questions drawing slightly higher support than the constitutional ones. Official results are expected on Wednesday morning.
The government spent $4 million on advertising focused mostly on those nine questions, according to the Globe. Prime Minister Mark Carney had urged Albertans to vote “no” on them.
