Politics

Albertans vote on independence path amid national unity test

AP News · 23 hours ago · Read the Full Story on AP News
Albertans vote on independence path amid national unity test
AI SUMMARY

Voters in Alberta are deciding whether to begin a legal process toward future independence, testing national unity as Canada faces trade pressures from the U.S.

  • Voters in Alberta are deciding whether to remain a province or begin the legal process toward a future referendum on separation.
  • More than 1.35 million Albertans, or 43% of eligible voters, cast advance or special ballots ahead of the vote.
  • Elections Alberta stated that results will not be released until after 10 p.m. local time following extended voting hours at over 100 polling stations.
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Albertans to deliver a decisive vote for unity during a rally in Edmonton.
  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith cited a poll showing 22% support for separation, a figure she considers too high.
  • The vote coincides with a deadly weekend fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright that killed four service members and injured 39 others.
  • Separatist leaders met three times with U.S. State Department officials in Washington to discuss Alberta's future.
  • Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation condemned the meetings with U.S. officials and stated Alberta cannot leave Canada without First Nations' consent.