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- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Albertans Decide to Remain in Canada
After months of debate and political discourse, Albertans have voted to remain in Canada, rejecting the call for a second referendum on provincial independence. The referendum, which featured ten questions including one on Alberta independence, saw a decisive majority favoring continued unity within Canadian confederation.
Referendum Results Revealed
According to the CBC News Decision Desk, with over one million votes counted by 12:30 a.m., 76.5 percent of voters supported the 'remain' option, while 23.5 percent were in favor of pursuing a second referendum on independence. The independence question was among ten put to voters, alongside questions on immigration and proposed constitutional changes.
Results were delayed due to extended hours at a polling station in Cardston-Siksika, but the outcome became clear late in the evening.
Public Reaction and Federalist Sentiment
Celebrations erupted at pro-federalist gatherings, where attendees cheered and chanted, "Canada! Canada!" Thomas Lukaszuk, founder of the Forever Canadian group, addressed supporters, emphasizing that Alberta remains a proud part of the country and called for unity, including dialogue with those who supported independence. "We Albertans are as proud to be Canadians as any other Canadian across the country," Lukaszuk said. He also stressed the importance of not forgetting those who voted the other way and fostering conversation among all Albertans.
Political Leaders Respond
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who added the independence question to the ballot earlier in the year to address the concerns of Albertans who signed dueling citizen petitions, expressed satisfaction with the results. Posting on X, Smith wrote she was "very pleased" at the apparent widespread support for remaining in Canada, stating, "Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada." She confirmed she will address Albertans regarding the results and the province's future direction.
Premier Smith had previously indicated there would be no further independence referendum during her tenure if Albertans voted to remain. She has also highlighted what she describes as improved relations with the federal government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In a statement, Carney acknowledged the vote, saying, "Albertans and all Canadians will move forward together with renewed purpose and high ambition." He encouraged Canadians to seize the opportunity to further improve the country together.
Independence Movement Remains Active
Despite the clear result, leaders of the Alberta independence movement signaled they would continue their efforts. Keith Wilson, a leader of the Let Alberta Decide group, noted that while they did not win, roughly a quarter of Albertans voted for change, and the discussion about Alberta's role in Canada will continue.
Jeffrey Rath, co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project, said the movement will carry on, comparing electoral defeats to political parties that persist despite setbacks. However, he questioned whether the United Conservative Party should be led by a federalist, considering the level of separatist support among its base.
Cory Morgan, founder of Pathway to Independence, argued that focusing the independence movement through advocacy rather than a political party would be more effective, given that the majority of Albertans supported remaining in Canada.
High Voter Turnout and Public Engagement
Voter engagement was notably high in this provincial referendum, with Elections Alberta projecting turnout between 80 to 85 percent—substantially higher than the 60.5 percent seen in the last provincial election. Over 1.3 million Albertans cast early ballots, either at advance polls or by mail. Some delays occurred on voting day due to more than 100 polling stations failing to open on time.
While final counts on other referendum questions, including immigration and constitutional changes, are ongoing, the message on Alberta's relationship with Canada was made clear by the majority who voted to remain part of the country.
Source: cbc.ca.
