A referendum on whether Alberta, a province known for its oil wealth, should pursue independence has been rejected by voters.
On October 20, the Alberta Election Commission reported that with over one million ballots counted, approximately 77% of voters opted to remain part of Canada. This information was relayed by Yonhap News, citing reports from the Associated Press.
Only 23% of residents supported initiating the secession process.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the voting outcome on social media, stating, "Alberta residents have chosen a stronger Alberta within a united Canada." Despite her opposition to secession, Smith was reportedly pressured by separatists within her party, the United Conservative Party, to hold the referendum.
Alberta, a major oil-producing region and a stronghold for conservative politics, held the referendum on October 19 to determine whether to initiate a binding vote on remaining part of Canada or pursuing independence. This vote was not to finalize independence but to gauge support for starting the formal process.
Concerns among Alberta residents have been raised regarding the federal government's carbon tax and green energy transition policies, which they believe threaten the energy sector, a key part of the local economy. Critics argue that the federal government has overstepped its bounds by interfering in provincial matters such as resource development, immigration, and welfare policies, fueling the secessionist sentiment.
Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep concern during a rally in Calgary on October 15, stating that the referendum comes at a "worst time" when outside forces are attempting to divide the country.
While Carney did not directly mention the United States, there have been ongoing suspicions within Canada that associates of U.S. President Donald Trump are influencing Alberta's secession efforts. Carney warned that if the secession movement were to materialize, it could ultimately benefit only the United States strategically.
There have been several instances in the past where federal environmental policies have sparked significant backlash from local communities. In 2022, U.S. states reliant on traditional energy industries, such as coal and oil, clashed with the federal government over stricter fossil fuel regulations, leading to collective lawsuits against the Environmental Protection Agency. Similarly, in 2019, farmers in the Netherlands protested against the central government's nitrogen emission reduction policies, fearing for their livelihoods, resulting in large-scale tractor demonstrations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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