Alberta voters reject move to separate from Canada

In a referendum held in Alberta, Canada, voters have rejected the move to separate from Canada. The result is a much-needed win for Prime Minister Mark Carney as he attempts to unify the country amid a trade war with the US.

According to early results, with more than one million votes counted, about 76-77 percent supported remaining in Canada, compared with 23 percent who backed beginning a process that could lead to separation.

The vote was not a direct referendum on independence but would have set oil-rich Alberta on a path towards a future vote on separation from Canada. Carney welcomed the result and said Albertans had made a “clear choice” in favour of unity.

Separatist leaders have said they will continue to pursue another vote despite the result. Jeffrey Rath, a top leader of the secessionist Alberta Prosperity Project, told reporters his push for an independent Alberta will “absolutely” continue.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, a conservative, said she voted against independence but called the referendum to settle an issue that has divided the province. She has said a win for the federalists would close the secession question.

The referendum was non-binding, and the result is seen as a significant blow to the separatist movement in Alberta. The province has the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, and much of the secessionist momentum has been driven by anger over oil industry management.