Alberta residents have made their decision on the highly debated question of whether to stay in Canada or proceed with a second referendum for independence. The CBC News Decision Desk has now forecasted a victory for the “remain” option in the Alberta referendum. The referendum included ten questions, one of which focused on independence. Results for this specific question were delayed due to extended voting hours at a polling station in the Cardston-Siksika riding.
With over one million votes tallied by 11:30 p.m., 76.6% of voters supported the “remain” choice, while 23.5% favored the referendum option. Apart from the independence query, five questions addressed immigration issues, while four proposed constitutional amendments, all of which are currently being tabulated by election officials.
As the outcome unfolded late on Monday, supporters of staying within Canada celebrated with enthusiasm, chanting “Canada! Canada!” Polls indicated that sentiments on the separation matter had been largely entrenched for years, with a majority inclined towards maintaining the status quo.
The inclusion of the independence question in the referendum was prompted by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith earlier in the year, following citizen petitions demanding a vote. However, within her United Conservative Party, a slight majority of voters leaned towards the separation option, as highlighted by polling data.
Throughout the campaign, proponents of independence argued that Alberta had been neglected by Ottawa for an extended period and that federal environmental policies had hindered the province’s oil and gas sector. The leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, Mitch Sylvestre, shared his hopes for a strong separatist turnout to convey a message to the federal government.
Conversely, federalists raised concerns about the significant economic risks associated with Alberta’s potential secession from Canada. Premier Smith, a vocal advocate for Alberta to remain part of Canada, acknowledged being viewed as controversial among Alberta separatists due to her pro-federalist stance.
Despite past voter turnout challenges in provincial elections, Alberta experienced a surge in early voting participation for the referendum. Elections Alberta anticipated a record turnout, estimating between 80 to 85%, compared to the 60.5% turnout in the previous provincial election.
The high level of engagement was evident in the early voting numbers, with over 1.3 million Albertans opting for advance polling or mail-in ballots. Delays in result reporting occurred due to over 100 stations failing to open on time. Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.
