Alberta Separatists Suffer Major Defeat as Voters Back Canada
(MENAFN) Preliminary referendum results indicate that more than two-thirds of voters in Alberta have rejected the push for separation, delivering a significant blow to a movement whose success could have threatened Canada's national unity.
The strong opposition to pursuing independence through a binding referendum could weaken the separatist campaign and return an idea debated for decades to the political margins, depending on the final count.
Although polling had suggested the outcome, the result disappointed Alberta's separatist leaders after more than a year spent campaigning and advocating for a vote on the province's future.
Asked how he felt about the outcome in one sentence, separatist leader Mitch Sylvestre responded: "Not happy".
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result shortly after it emerged, saying in a statement that "Albertans made a clear choice".
However, campaign leaders insist their efforts will continue, arguing that Alberta's relationship with the rest of Canada could remain a major political issue for years.
Jeffrey Rath, a Calgary-based lawyer and prominent advocate for Alberta's separation, said he and fellow campaigners "plan to roll up our sleeves and work harder".
Another separatist, Keith Wilson, told supporters in Calgary that although the vote had concluded, "the conversation about Alberta's future in Canada and our place in Canada and our role in Canada will continue".
The strong opposition to pursuing independence through a binding referendum could weaken the separatist campaign and return an idea debated for decades to the political margins, depending on the final count.
Although polling had suggested the outcome, the result disappointed Alberta's separatist leaders after more than a year spent campaigning and advocating for a vote on the province's future.
Asked how he felt about the outcome in one sentence, separatist leader Mitch Sylvestre responded: "Not happy".
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result shortly after it emerged, saying in a statement that "Albertans made a clear choice".
However, campaign leaders insist their efforts will continue, arguing that Alberta's relationship with the rest of Canada could remain a major political issue for years.
Jeffrey Rath, a Calgary-based lawyer and prominent advocate for Alberta's separation, said he and fellow campaigners "plan to roll up our sleeves and work harder".
Another separatist, Keith Wilson, told supporters in Calgary that although the vote had concluded, "the conversation about Alberta's future in Canada and our place in Canada and our role in Canada will continue".
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