Alberta voters have rejected a push toward independence, according to preliminary referendum counts released this week. With results in from about 90 per cent of voting locations, roughly 75 per cent backed remaining in Canada and 25 per cent supported starting the legal process toward a binding separation vote. The outcome eases immediate fears of secession and gives Prime Minister Mark Carney a boost on national unity.

What the early numbers reveal

About 1.9 million votes had been counted by Tuesday, and Elections Alberta says a full count will take several days. Official results are scheduled for Oct. 29. Turnout on the separation question was around 62 per cent of the province's 3.1 million eligible voters, close to the 2023 general election. Advance and mail-in voting rose sharply: about 43 per cent of eligible voters, or 1.4 million people, cast ballots that way, up from 28 per cent in 2023.

Where support for staying was strongest

Support for Canada was concentrated in the province's two largest cities. Edmonton-Strathcona reported more than 90 per cent backing the stay option, according to CBC. Several rural areas were closer, and two ridings, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre and Central Peace-Notley, showed slim majorities favouring the separation process in early counts.

How did the other nine questions fare?

Premier Danielle Smith campaigned on a split ticket: stay in Canada, but vote yes on nine other questions to strengthen her hand with Ottawa. Early counts showed the yes side leading on eight of the nine, with hundreds of thousands of ballots still outstanding. Unofficial figures cited by The Hub put support for greater provincial control over immigration at 53.4 per cent, with related proposals ranging from about 52 to 55 per cent. The four constitutional questions, including abolishing the Senate, drew between 48.5 and 52.8 per cent. Smith says she will take the results into talks with Ottawa and the other provinces, though critics argue such thin margins amount to a weak mandate.

FAQ

When will official results be released?

Elections Alberta is expected to publish official results on Oct. 29, after counting is complete.

Did any areas support separation?

Yes. Early counts showed slim majorities in favour of the separation process in at least two rural ridings, including Central Peace-Notley.