Alberta rejects separation in referendum, but ‘road to healing will be a long one’

Alberta voters rejected a proposal to begin the legal process for a binding referendum on separating from Canada, according to unofficial results from the Oct. 19 provincial referendum. Approximately three-quarters of voters cast ballots against the separation measure, according to reports showing 95% of voting locations by Oct. 21.

While the separation question received significant attention, voters also supported seven of nine other proposals. These included five questions regarding immigration policy, access to provincial services for nonpermanent residents, and requirements for proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections. Premier Danielle Smith originally announced the referendum in February, stating that immigration was a primary concern for Albertans.

Glen Argan, a columnist for The Catholic Register, noted that the results reveal deep polarization and suggested that healing provincial divisions will take a long time. More than 2 million people, or about 64% of eligible voters, participated in the referendum. Official results are expected on Oct. 29.