Alberta voters reject separation from Canada as Carney triumphs

A man votes during a referendum in Calgary, Alberta, on Monday. | REUTERS

Bloomberg

Oct 20, 2026

Voters in Alberta are set to reject separation from Canada, a victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney after a long referendum campaign that created divisions in the country’s energy heartland.

With about 1.2 million votes counted, about 76% were in favor of remaining in Canada, enough for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. to project victory for that side. The other option on the ballot was to support starting a legal process that could eventually lead to a second referendum on independence.

A win for the stay-in-Canada side was expected after several polls showed it had a healthy lead. The result will allay some fears that Alberta was poised to enter a period of deep uncertainty for businesses, just as many companies are seeking investment as part of an anticipated energy boom.

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