Alberta separation referendum nears as over a million ballots are cast
On Friday, Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney made a joint unity appeal at a rally in Red Deer, and by Thursday more than one million ballots had already been cast.
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What happened
Voters in Alberta will decide on Monday whether the oil-rich province stays in Canada or starts a binding path toward independence. On Friday, Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney made a joint unity appeal at a rally in Red Deer, and by Thursday more than one million ballots had already been cast.
Why it matters
The vote could determine whether Alberta remains part of Canada. The debate is also straining personal relationships, with some families divided over the question.
Timeline
- Oct 16, 11:05 AM ET: The number of ballots cast in Alberta's referendum passed one million on Thursday.
- Oct 16, 2:27 PM ET: Poilievre urged Albertans not to give up on Canada, arguing that quitting is the easy way out.
- Oct 16, 3:13 PM ET: Carney appeared alongside Smith and other politicians and compared the referendum to a famous line from Charles Dickens.
- Oct 16, 3:14 PM ET: Smith told a Red Deer rally that Alberta and Canada agree on staying in Confederation, and Carney echoed her call for unity.
Coverage
- Smith, Carney pitch unity ahead of Alberta referendum (CBC)
- Carney and Smith link up to pitch pro-Canada vote ahead of Alberta referendum (Global News)
- Pierre Poilievre urges Albertans not to ‘quit’ on Canada ahead of separation vote (Global News)
- Albertans vote to stay in Canada in historic referendum
- Over 1.3 million Albertans vote early in referendum
- Alberta heads to separation vote as Carney and Poilievre push unity
- Alberta separation vote nears as Carney urges Canadian unity
- Alberta opens 310 advance polls for historic secession vote
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