Alberta voters reject process toward separation from Canada

Alberta voters overwhelmingly rejected starting a legal process toward separation from Canada, with unofficial results showing roughly three-quarters favored remaining in the country. The nonbinding referendum did not ask voters to decide independence itself; approval would have started a process that could lead to a later binding vote. Elections Alberta’s unofficial count put support for remaining in Canada at about 75% and support for beginning the separation process at about 25%. One report said more than 1.9 million votes had been counted, with results from 90 voting areas and locations. Official results were scheduled for October 29. Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the outcome as a boost to national unity. He said the roughly one-quarter who backed starting the process did not necessarily favor independence, and some voters said they wanted to send Ottawa a message about their dissatisfaction rather than leave Canada. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she would not hold another separation referendum while she remains premier. She said the province would continue seeking greater autonomy, but that disputes with the federal government should be addressed through...