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Topic

Alberta separatism

Albertans voted three to one to stay in Canada in the Oct. 19, 2026 referendum, but the separatist movement is carrying its fight into the United Conservative Party.

What you need to know

  • On Question 10, 74.95% (1,556,316 votes) chose to remain a province of Canada, and 25.05% (520,233) chose to begin the legal process toward a binding separation referendum.
  • Turnout on the question was 67.44%, compared with 60.5% in the 2023 provincial election.
  • The result is not binding. Question 10 was added by order in council on May 28, 2026.
  • Premier Danielle Smith says there will be no other independence referendum on her watch.
  • Calgary and Edmonton led the vote to stay, and two UCP-held rural ridings voted for separation.
  • The Alberta Prosperity Project's citizen petition for a separation vote remains stalled in the courts.
  • Separatist organizers, including APP leader Mitch Sylvestre, plan to press their case inside the UCP ahead of its November convention.
  • Albertans also narrowly passed five immigration questions and rejected four constitutional questions on the same ballot.

Timeline

  1. Orders in council set referendum Questions 1 to 9 for Oct. 19.

  2. An order in council adds Question 10 on separation, which is not binding.

  3. Albertans vote. Remaining in Canada wins about three to one.

  4. Smith releases a video saying her government has a clear mandate to support a united Canada.

  5. Elections Alberta releases official results: 74.95% remain, 25.05% leave.

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