Voters in Alberta, Canada’s oil-rich province, on Tuesday overwhelmingly chose to remain in the country, giving Prime Minister Mark Carney a boost in his push for national unity as US President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation threats rally Canadians around their flag. With about 90% of voting areas counted, 75% backed staying in Canada, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta. President Trump is watching this,” said Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Alberta deputy premier who led the Forever Canadian campaign against separation.
The referendum was not a direct vote on independence. A “yes” result would have set Alberta on a path toward a later vote on leaving Canada. He argued that the quarter of voters who supported starting the separation process did not all necessarily want independence.
In his view, only a smaller “hard core” favours leaving. Some voters have said they backed the question to send Ottawa a message rather than to break away. Carney said he spoke with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Tuesday morning about the results and about closer federal-provincial cooperation, including on immigration.
Some voters said they backed the separation question without wanting Alberta to leave. Edmonton voter Shawn Campbell said he voted to begin the process to send a message: “It sends a message to Ottawa that Albertans are not happy.” Others criticised the vote itself. Dave Malka, 59, of Edmonton, objected to spending money on a “referendum on a referendum” rather than on healthcare.
With Trump threatening Canada, he said, “It seems to be happening at the absolute worst time when we should be united. Instead, we’re fighting among ourselves.” If you need to cut for length, drop Malka’s healthcare point and keep only the Campbell quote. If you’re running long-form, the full section is fine, and you can restore Khowaja.
In a televised address Tuesday night, Smith welcomed the outcome and promised not to call another separation referendum while she is premier. Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Alberta deputy premier who led the Forever Canadian campaign against separation, told supporters: “Don’t mess with Canada. President Trump is watching this.” Meanwhile, Alberta separatist organiser David Parker acknowledged the scale of the loss.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
