Alberta votes on whether to start independence process

Albertans vote Monday on whether to begin a legal process that could lead to independence from Canada, a test of national unity amid U.S. trade tensions. The vote is not a direct referendum on separation but a decision on starting that process. More than 1.35 million Albertans cast early ballots, far exceeding prior elections. Prime Minister Mark Carney urged a decisive rejection, while separatist leaders say the movement will persist regardless of the outcome. The vote follows a deadly military base fire that killed four service members. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith opposes independence but called the referendum under pressure from activists. Separatists cite federal energy policies and pandemic restrictions as grievances, though support for separation remains low at around 22%.