'They chose Canada': Alberta rejects separation bid in win for Carney
Voters in Alberta, Canada, have rejected a move toward independence in a referendum, with 76 percent voting to remain part of the country. Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed the result as a victory for national unity and economic cooperation.
Why it matters
The vote stabilizes Canada's political landscape during a period of international trade tensions and potential external threats.
Voters in Canada's oil-rich Alberta province have overwhelmingly rejected a move towards independence. They delivered a boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney's push for national unity amid US President Donald Trump's trade war and threats to annex Canada.With more than 1.5 million votes counted, 76 per cent backed remaining in Canada, while nearly 24 per cent supported beginning the process towards separation, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta on Tuesday. The referendum was not a direct vote on independence. Approval would have paved the way for a future vote on separation.“Albertans made a clear choice,” Carney said, “They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other. Above all, Albertans chose Canada,” news agency AFP reported.Carney said the result would allow the country to move forward together.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in