Alberta rejects separatist push, with more than 76% backing Canada

Alberta voters rejected a bid to start the legal path toward a binding independence referendum, handing Canada a decisive pro-unity result. CBC and CTV projected victory for the federalist side, while official results showed more than 76% backed remaining in Canada with nearly 45% of ballots counted. The Oct. 19 vote asked Albertans whether the province should stay in Canada or begin the constitutional process for a future binding separation referendum. Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed what he called a clear choice for unity. Premier Danielle Smith, who put the question to voters but opposed independence, praised the broad support for staying in Canada.