The result of the vote held on Monday, the 19th, represents a victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney and for supporters of Canadian unity
Voters in the Province of Alberta rejected a proposal that would initiate a process toward Canada’s independence.
With more than 1 million votes counted, 77% of voters supported remaining in Canada, while 23% backed starting a process of secession, according to unofficial results released by Elections Alberta.
The result of the vote held on Monday, the 19th, represents a victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney and for supporters of Canadian unity, amid the trade war and threats of annexation made by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The vote was not a direct referendum on independence, but would place Alberta on the path to a future consultation on Canada’s separation.
With more than 1 million votes counted, support for remaining in the country stood at about 76% among the province’s voters. Another 23% opted for opening the process of independence.
Alberta, which houses the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserve, is a conservative stronghold whose political culture has long resembled the American West more than much of Canada.
Resentment toward Ottawa is deep, but traditionally it does not translate into broad support for independence.
(by Associated Press)
