Alberta Votes on Secession in Non-Binding Referendum

Residents of the Canadian province of Alberta are voting in a referendum on whether to begin a process that could lead to secession from Canada, with polls indicating a strong majority supports remaining part of the country. The non-binding vote asks citizens to decide if Alberta should stay in Canada or initiate steps toward a legally binding future referendum on independence. Recent surveys showed about 70 percent support remaining, 20 percent oppose it, with the rest undecided. Early voting was available by mail or in person. Alberta, home to roughly five million people and known for its Rocky Mountain national parks, has a long-standing but minority independence movement driven by cultural and economic grievances, including oil industry opposition to environmental regulations. Conservative Premier Danielle Smith, who supports staying in Canada, called the referendum, while Prime Minister Mark Carney and major political parties oppose secession, though US President Donald Trump has expressed support for the movement amid ongoing trade tensions.