Albertans Vote on Independence Path as Carney Urges Unity

Albertans vote Monday on whether to begin a process that could lead to independence, testing Canadian national unity amid U.S. trade threats. The vote is not a direct referendum but a decision on starting legal steps toward a future separation vote. Over 1.35 million Albertans cast advance ballots, far exceeding early turnout in the 2023 provincial election. 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 fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright that killed four service members. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith opposes independence but called the referendum under pressure from separatist activists within her party.