Albertans have voted strongly in favour of remaining in Canada, while early results on nine other referendum questions show support for several proposed changes alongside continuing divisions.
As of 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, Elections Alberta reported 1,372,150 votes for remaining a province of Canada, compared with 439,823 for beginning the legal process toward a future binding referendum on separation. That puts support for remaining at approximately 75.7 per cent of valid votes counted on Question 10. The results remain unofficial. Elections Alberta results
The question was not a direct vote to leave Canada. It offered a choice between remaining and starting a process that could lead to another referendum on separation.
Across the province, 4,432 of 5,586 voting areas or locations had reported, representing approximately 79 per cent. That figure requires care: Elections Alberta considers a location reported once it submits results for at least one question. It does not mean counting is 79 per cent complete for every question.
Yes leads on eight other questions
Early results showed Yes leading on eight of the nine remaining questions. No was ahead on Question 8, concerning proposed constitutional changes that would allow provinces to opt out of certain federal programs without losing associated funding.
The other questions address immigration, access to provincial services, proof of citizenship for voting, judicial appointments, Senate abolition and the relationship between provincial and federal laws. Elections Alberta’s referendum information
These preliminary results suggest that many voters favour remaining in Canada while also supporting changes to how the province is governed. However, separate ballot totals cannot tell us precisely how individual voters combined their answers.
It would also be premature to describe the results as a settled endorsement of the entire package. Each question deserves consideration on its own, and not all ballots have been tallied.
Carney and Smith welcome support for remaining
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the emerging result, saying Albertans had made a “clear choice.”
“Above all, Albertans chose Canada.”
Carney acknowledged that counting continued on the other questions while emphasizing the opportunity for Albertans and Canadians to move forward together.
Premier Danielle Smith also welcomed the strong support for remaining, describing the result as a vote for “a stronger Alberta in a united Canada.”
Smith thanked voters and said she would address the province at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the results available by then and the next steps.
Their responses emphasize different aspects of the vote: national unity for Carney, and Alberta’s position within Confederation for Smith. The final results will provide a fuller basis for assessing both interpretations.
A direct voice, with responsibilities
My own view is that referendum questions are great. They are the purest form of direct democracy, giving people a direct say on specific issues.
Supporting that process does not require agreeing with every proposal. Greater provincial control deserves consideration alongside questions about fairness, access to services, accountability and the interests of people affected by any changes.
Clear wording, reliable information and an honest explanation of consequences are essential. So is respecting the outcome, including when voters give an answer we would not have chosen ourselves.
The count continues
Ballots are being counted by hand, starting with Question 10 at each counting station before proceeding through Questions 1 to 9. Vote totals can differ between questions because voters could decline individual ballots.
Elections Alberta says the unofficial count must be completed within 48 hours of the confirmed closure of all voting locations. Extended voting hours at several locations could push that deadline into Wednesday, October 21. Official results are scheduled for Thursday, October 29, following verification.
For now, the strongest message is clear support among votes counted for Alberta remaining in Canada. The results on the other nine questions are still developing.
We will bring more news as additional results become available. Please refer to our website theanchor.ca for more current information as we receive more information from Elections Alberta.