Alberta separatists face likely defeat in referendum vote

Alberta votes Monday on whether to hold a binding referendum on leaving Canada, but a survey shows separatists are unlikely to win, with fewer than a quarter of residents supporting secession. The Ipsos-Global News poll found 70 per cent plan to vote to stay. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the vote existential, urging Albertans to reject what he called a "dangerous bluff" that would cause division. He warned US President Donald Trump is stoking separatism to control Alberta's oil wealth, the world's fourth-largest reserves, and noted the vote follows Quebec separatist election wins. Carney, who grew up in Alberta, has acknowledged local grievances and built unlikely support by fast-tracking a Pacific oil pipeline, promising over 140,000 jobs and energy superpower status. The province has long clashed with Liberal governments over federal policies seen as hindering its oil industry.