Mixed results on Alberta referendum questions highlight urban-rural divide
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith faces political uncertainty after a referendum on immigration and constitutional powers yielded mixed results. The vote highlighted a significant divide between urban and rural voters, leaving the Premier without a strong mandate for her proposed changes.
Why it matters
The results complicate the Premier's political strategy ahead of the next provincial election and reflect regional governance challenges.
A pro-federalist sign urging Albertans to remain in Canada, on a roadside in Calgary on Monday. Amir Salehi/The Globe and Mail
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith won’t be armed with a strong mandate to challenge the federal government for more powers after her proposals on immigration and constitutional issues were either defeated or received slim majorities in Monday’s referendum.
The results also underline a stark divide between rural and urban voters on her proposals, which could pose political risks for the Premier as she campaigns toward next year’s provincial election.
“Certain areas of Calgary and Edmonton supported some [proposals], and certain areas did not,” Ms. Smith told reporters on Wednesday.
“So, I take that as, ‘Let’s proceed with caution.’ ”
Elections Alberta continued to hand-count ballots on Thursday, surpassing its 48-hour deadline to tally the votes.
Tony Keller: Danielle Smith’s referendum was a lemon. Alberta voters made lemonade
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