Alberta rejects secession, votes to remain part of Canada
Residents of Alberta, Canada, have voted against a proposal that could have paved the way for the oil-rich province to separate from the country.
According to CNN, approximately 75 per cent of voters supported remaining in Canada, while 25 per cent favoured holding another referendum on independence, with about 45 per cent of polling stations reporting.
The non-binding referendum, held Monday, followed growing separatist agitation and tensions between Canada and the United States over President Donald Trump’s tariffs and annexation threats.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the outcome, saying “Albertans and all Canadians will move forward together with renewed purpose and high ambition”.
Thomas Lukaszuk, founder of the pro-unity Forever Canadian movement, declared, “Canada is not up for grabs.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also expressed satisfaction with the result.
The separatist movement had previously sought support from officials within Trump’s administration, while billionaire Elon Musk recently encouraged Alberta and other Canadian provinces to pursue independence.
Rifnote
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