Albertans vote on independence path as Carney urges rejection

Albertans vote Monday on whether to begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada, testing national unity amid U.S. trade threats. The referendum asks if the province should start legal steps toward a future separation vote, not for immediate independence. More than 1.35 million Albertans cast advance ballots, far exceeding early turnout in the 2023 provincial election. Prime Minister Mark Carney urged a decisive rejection, warning the vote comes at the worst possible time. Premier Danielle Smith opposes independence but called the referendum under pressure from separatist activists in her party. Separatist leaders say the movement has grown from a fringe cause, driven by pandemic-era grievances and federal energy policies. Some have met with U.S. officials, drawing accusations of treason from Indigenous leaders. Even a rejection may not end the debate, as activists plan to continue pushing for independence.