19.10.2026 22:02
A critical vote that could affect the country's future has begun in Canada. In the oil- and natural gas-rich province of Alberta, people have gone to the polls for a referendum that could pave the way for separation from Canada. The answer voters give will determine whether preparations will begin for a second, legally binding referendum on separation. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, meanwhile, reacted to the timing of the vote.
In Canada's province of Alberta, voting has begun in a referendum that could launch the process for the province's secession from the country.
VOTERS ARE ASKED A TOTAL OF 10 QUESTIONS
According to a statement from Elections Alberta, polling stations opened at 09:00 local time and will close at 20:00. In the referendum, voters are asked a total of 10 questions. The first 9 questions cover regulations concerning immigration and constitutional issues. The final question presents the options of whether Alberta remains part of Canada or the provincial government begins preparations for a second, legally binding referendum on separation. This question on separation is appearing on a referendum ballot in Alberta for the first time.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on October 16 that the referendum was being held "at the worst possible time," and said, "Some outside our borders are trying to divide us so they can have us."
BACKGROUND OF SECESSION DEBATES IN ALBERTA
In Alberta, one of Canada's leading provinces in oil and natural gas production, separation debates largely stem from economic and political disagreements. While supporters of separation argue that the province's contribution to the federal budget finances resources transferred to other regions, they claim that the Ottawa government's environmental and energy policies restrict Alberta's oil sector.
The vote in Alberta concerns not directly deciding whether the province separates from Canada, but whether the legal process should be initiated to hold a legally binding referendum on separation. Under Canadian law, a province cannot unilaterally separate from the country. A possible separation would require negotiations and a constitutional amendment process.