Alberta Votes to Stay in Canada, Early Results Show

CALGARY: Albertans voted decisively to remain in Canada in the province’s first referendum on separation, with early results showing roughly three-quarters of voters rejecting a path toward leaving, according to reports published Tuesday by BNN Bloomberg and Al Jazeera.

The vote was held Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. BNN Bloomberg reported that about 76 per cent voted yes to Confederation and about 24 per cent backed a second, binding referendum on leaving, with more than 1.3 million votes cast in mail-in ballots and advance polls. Al Jazeera reported about 77 per cent to remain and 23 per cent in favour of beginning a process toward separation, with more than one million votes counted. The two outlets’ figures differ slightly because counting was still under way, and final totals and turnout had not been reported in either account. Both Canadian Press-based coverage and CTV News projected that Albertans rejected separation.

Voters were asked 10 questions in total. According to BNN Bloomberg, the separation question was one of them, and the other nine dealt with immigration and the Constitution. Counting on those nine questions was slower, with closer margins, the outlet reported. Al Jazeera described the vote as non-binding and not a direct referendum on independence. Critics quoted by BNN Bloomberg called it little more than a referendum on a referendum.

Premier Danielle Smith said: “Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada,” according to BNN Bloomberg. The outlet also reported that Smith said a simple majority of 50 per cent plus one would decide the vote, and that there will be no follow-up referendum for the rest of the United Conservative Party government’s mandate. She is scheduled to give a televised address Tuesday night on the province’s direction.

Prime Minister Mark Carney posted a statement on X saying: “Albertans made a clear choice. They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other,” as quoted by BNN Bloomberg and Al Jazeera.

Separatist campaigners said the result will not end their effort. Jeffrey Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project said, “We’re not going anywhere,” according to BNN Bloomberg, and told Al Jazeera the push for an independent Alberta will “absolutely” continue. Thomas Lukaszuk, a pro-Canada organizer, said, “Don’t mess with Canada!” per BNN Bloomberg.

The result follows Calgary city council’s approval in September of a motion declaring Calgary a vital part of a united Canada, which CBC News and CTV News described as a symbolic vote ahead of the referendum. LiveWire Calgary reported the motion was approved on Sept. 22. This report does not cover the vote count on that motion.

BNN Bloomberg also reported that two UCP constituency associations have reportedly backed an early leadership review ahead of the party’s annual general meeting in November. That detail comes from a single outlet and is not independently confirmed here. The next Alberta provincial election is set for October 2027, according to the same report.

Official final results will come from Elections Alberta. Figures in this story are early and may change as counting continues, and Canada News Media will not update percentages until a named official source publishes them.

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