Politics · Canada · 1 hr ago
Alberta votes on whether to begin the process of leaving Canada
Albertans are voting in a nonbinding referendum on separation from Canada, the first time the oil-rich province has put the question to voters.
The main question asks whether Alberta should stay in Canada or begin the process of holding another, legally binding referendum on separation.
Polls cited in the sources show about 70% support for remaining in Canada, while roughly a quarter support independence.
Separatists say Alberta’s energy wealth benefits other parts of Canada and that federal policies and bureaucracy have held back the province.
Premier Danielle Smith says she will respect the result and has said she voted to remain.
A majority in favour of starting the process would lead to a binding vote, but Alberta cannot leave Canada on its own; separation would require negotiations and a constitutional amendment.
First Nations groups have objected, and an Alberta court has ruled that their interests should have been consulted in the referendum process.
Election officials plan to count ballots by hand, with unofficial results expected within 48 hours after polls close.
Alberta is holding a nonbinding referendum asking voters whether to remain in Canada or start a process that could lead to a binding separation referendum.
The vote is scheduled for Monday, with polls due to close at 8 p.m.
A simple majority supporting the separation process could prompt Alberta’s government to move toward a binding vote, but would not immediately make the province independent.
Premier Danielle Smith says she will respect the result and has said she voted for Alberta to remain in Canada.
Polls cited by the articles show about 70 per cent of Albertans support remaining in Canada.
- Who
- Alberta residents are voting; the provincial government is led by Premier Danielle Smith.
- What
- A nonbinding referendum asks whether Alberta should remain in Canada or start the process for a binding separation referendum.
- When
- Monday; the articles were published on Oct. 15 and 16, 2026. The exact voting date is not stated.
- Where
- Alberta, Canada.
- Why
- Smith said the vote would establish Albertans’ views and allow the debate to move forward. Separatists cite grievances over energy wealth, federal policies and Ottawa’s influence.
Separatists
Supporters of remaining in Canada
Aim
Separatists
Separatists want Alberta to begin a process that could lead to separation.
Supporters of remaining in Canada
Supporters want Alberta to remain part of Canada.
Main argument
Separatists
They argue Alberta’s energy wealth subsidizes poorer parts of the country and federal bureaucracy has hindered its economy.
Supporters of remaining in Canada
They argue for continued unity; Smith says Alberta has made progress with Ottawa, including on a pipeline project.
A citizen-led petition for Alberta independence gathered more than 300,000 signatures, but a court blocked it.
Smith said it was time to hold a vote and announced the government would add a separation question.
A man left an advance voting station in Calgary, according to a photograph caption in the Globe and Mail.
Alberta is scheduled to hold the referendum, with polls due to close at 8 p.m.
- Referendum questions
- 10, including the separation question and nine others
- Separation question
- Whether Alberta should remain a Canadian province or start the process for a binding referendum
- Polling support for Remain
- About 70 per cent, according to polls cited by the articles
- Separatist petition
- More than 300,000 signatures
- Anti-separation petition
- More than 400,000 signatures for Forever Canadian
- Expected unofficial results
- Within 48 hours after voting ends
6 sources
Why is Alberta voting to separate from Canada, and how likely is it to happen?
Albertans have a chance to bury separation. But they have to go out and vote
Separation has dominated Alberta’s referendum debate. What about the other nine questions?
Explainer: What does Alberta’s referendum on separation from Canada mean?
All the ways the Alberta referendum could result in an October surprise
What people are saying
deeply troubled
a single judge silence the voices of hundreds of thousands of Albertans
time to have a vote, understand the will of Albertans on this subject, and move on