Alberta votes on whether to begin secession process

Voters in Canada's oil-rich province of Alberta are voting Monday on whether to begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada, in a vote described as a test of national unity. The vote is not a direct referendum on secession. The vote will determine whether Alberta, which holds most of Canada's confirmed oil reserves, will remain a Canadian province or start legal procedures for a future secession referendum. Over 1.35 million Albertans, or 43% of eligible voters, cast ballots early, surpassing the 810,000 early voters in the 2023 provincial election. Prime Minister Mark Carney urged Albertans to vote decisively, saying Canada's future depends on it. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who called the vote despite opposing independence, cited a poll showing only 22% support secession. The vote follows a deadly fire at a Canadian Armed Forces base that killed four soldiers.