Albertans Reject Separation Referendum Process

Alberta voters decisively rejected starting a legal process that could lead to a future independence referendum, with about 76% voting to remain in Canada and 23% supporting the process. The ballot was not a direct vote on independence, and the result was a victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney and supporters of Canadian unity. Results were delayed after more than 100 polling stations extended their hours; over 1.35 million Albertans, about 43% of eligible voters, cast advance or special ballots. Separatist support drew on long-running grievances over federal policies and the oil and gas industry, while U.S. trade tensions and annexation threats sharpened calls for national unity.