Canada · Calgary · Elections hub
Alberta votes to remain in Canada, early referendum results show
In brief
Albertans voted to stay in Canada in Monday’s provincial referendum, with CBC News projecting a win for the “remain” side. With more than one million votes counted by about 12:30 a.m., roughly 76.5% chose to remain, while about 23.5% backed starting the process toward a later, binding vote on leaving. The count was still unofficial early Tuesday.
What was on the ballot?
Voters answered ten questions on Oct. 19. One asked whether Alberta should begin the legal process toward a future independence vote. Five of the others dealt with immigration and four proposed constitutional changes, and CBC News reported those results were still being counted. Elections Alberta says official results will be posted once they are released.
How leaders reacted
Premier Danielle Smith said on X she was “very pleased” with the early numbers and planned to speak to Albertans on Tuesday evening about where the province goes next. Earlier this month she said she would not hold a second independence referendum while she is premier if voters chose to remain. Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement that Albertans and all Canadians would move forward together. Leaders of the independence campaign said the roughly one-quarter vote showed many Albertans want a better deal from Ottawa and that the debate would continue.
Turnout and delays
Elections Alberta had projected a record turnout of 80 to 85%. More than 1.3 million people voted early, either at advance polls or by mail, according to CBC News. Results were slowed on election night after more than 100 polling stations opened late and stayed open longer to make up the time.
VSH take: the margin is wide, but both camps say the conversation about Alberta’s place in Canada will go on, so expect energy policy and Ottawa–Edmonton relations to stay in the headlines. Planning a trip west? Our Toronto to Calgary flights page and the time zone converter can help.
Why it matters
A clear vote to stay settles the immediate question of Alberta’s place in Canada, which matters for energy investment, federal-provincial relations and national unity. The answers on immigration and constitutional questions could still shape provincial policy.
People also ask
Did Alberta vote to leave Canada?
No. Early results show about 76.5% of counted ballots chose to remain in Canada, and CBC News projected a remain win. The count was still unofficial early on Oct. 20.
Does the result change anything right away?
A remain vote means no legal process toward a separation referendum will start. Premier Smith has said she will not hold another independence vote while she is premier.
Related free tools: Time Zone Converter, Percentage Calculator
Sources
- CBC News: Albertans vote to remain in Canada, CBC News projects
- BBC News: Albertans have made ‘clear choice’ to remain part of Canada, says PM Mark Carney
- Elections Alberta: Referendum Results
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