Smith rules out another Alberta separation referendum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she will not hold another referendum on separation while she remains premier, after voters decisively backed keeping the province in Canada. She said Alberta would pursue disputes with the federal government through political and legal channels rather than another separation vote. In a provincewide address Tuesday evening, Smith described the referendum result as a mandate to move forward within Canada. She also urged Albertans who supported another vote on separation to believe the country and province can address their concerns. The address was prerecorded, and she did not take questions during it. Preliminary counts showed about three-quarters of votes on the separation question favored staying in Canada, while roughly one-quarter supported pursuing a second vote. More than 90% of voting stations had reported in updates Tuesday, but the results were still being counted. The question asked whether Alberta should remain in Canada or pursue another vote on leaving Confederation. Smith acknowledged that many Albertans remain frustrated with Ottawa and said political and constitutional disputes would continue. She argued that Alberta’s...