‘This is not poker’: Alberta goes to polls in referendum that has exposed divisions, not least among separatists
Summary
Albertans are voting in a referendum to decide if the province should stay in Canada or hold a second vote on independence. The referendum has highlighted deep disagreements in Alberta, including within the group that wants the province to separate, especially about the financial and practical costs.Key Facts
- The referendum asks whether Alberta should remain part of Canada or hold another vote on independence.
- Some Albertans want separation because they feel the province is not getting a fair financial deal from the federal government and want full control over their fossil fuel resources.
- A deadly fire at a military base in Alberta weighed on public mood during the referendum period.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith held the referendum after pressure from her party but did not support independence, citing high costs estimated at about C$400 billion to separate.
- Opponents highlight studies that estimate the cost of independence at up to C$170 billion in five years and warn of long-term economic uncertainty.
- Former Alberta premiers from opposite political sides appeared together to support remaining in Canada.
- Mark Carney, a popular Alberta-born politician and former Bank of England governor, campaigned for unity, warning against the risks of separation.
- Energy policy and control over natural resources have been central to Alberta’s disputes with Canada since at least 1980.
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