Alberta rejects plan for binding independence referendum as more than 76% back national unity and separatist leader vows the push will continue

Alberta has rejected a plan to hold a binding independence referendum, with official results showing more than 76% support for national unity after more than a third of ballots had been counted. Public broadcaster CBC and private network CTV projected a comfortable victory for the federalist side. The separatists had received backing from allies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result, saying Albertans had made a clear choice for unity. He has campaigned for national stability amid external pressures.

Jeffrey Rath, a senior leader of the separatist Alberta Prosperity Project, told reporters the drive for an independent Alberta would continue. Provincial Premier Danielle Smith had called the referendum to settle the divisive issue and said a federalist victory would close the question of secession.

Alberta holds the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves. Much of the separatist momentum has stemmed from long-standing grievances over oil-industry management and policies under previous federal leadership.

The independence campaign has attracted sustained interest and strategic attention from U.S. political figures, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and prominent tech figure Elon Musk, who previously voiced support for separation. Since taking office, Carney has worked to mend relations between Ottawa and Alberta, partnering with local leadership on infrastructure projects to boost oil exports and foster greater cooperation within the country.