Alberta’s early unofficial results point to voters rejecting the route toward a future separation referendum, and the CBC News Decision Desk projected a remain win. [E1] [E2] [E11]
Global News later reported a split of 75.7% for remaining in Canada and 24.3% for triggering an independence referendum. [E14]
CNN said roughly 45% of polls were reporting in the early unofficial count. [E11]
The question asked whether Alberta should remain in Canada or whether its government should begin the constitutional process for a binding provincial referendum on separation. [E12] The order establishing it says the result is not binding. [E13]
The question was not a direct vote on independence. Approval would have put Alberta on a path toward a future vote on separation. [E5] [E6]
That is the change since this paper’s account before voting: the result now shows early support for remaining in Canada, rather than only describing the non-binding question.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the initial results showed widespread support for remaining in Canada. [E3] [E9]
More than 1.3 million people had voted before polling centres opened on Monday, or 43% of eligible voters, Elections Alberta said. [E10]
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Albertans had made a clear choice and chosen Canada; AP described the result as a boost to his national-unity push amid U.S. trade and annexation pressure. [E7] [E8] [E4]