Alberta voters reject path to future separation referendum

Alberta voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to begin a legal process toward a future binding referendum on separation, with unofficial results showing about 75.5% favored remaining in Canada and 24.5% supported moving toward a later vote. The result does not decide independence itself: voters were asked whether the province should stay in Canada or start the process for a future referendum on leaving. Elections Alberta’s preliminary tally showed 1,405,957 votes for remaining in Canada and 455,597 for beginning the separation process, with 4,554 of 5,586 polling locations reporting as of Tuesday morning. The count was continuing, and the agency said official results were expected to be certified on October 29. The referendum, held Monday, October 19, included 10 questions. The separation question was counted first; the other nine addressed immigration, access to provincial services and constitutional issues. Their results were still being tabulated in reports available Tuesday. Premier Danielle Smith called the referendum after pressure from separation supporters and a petition campaign. Smith has opposed independence and supported remaining in Canada. The proposal on the...