Albertans rejected holding a second referendum to separate as voters overwhelmingly chose to stay in Canada, CTV News projects.
In a historic vote that saw the oil-rich province put the question of separation to the public, a total of 76.4 per cent of voters think Alberta should stay in Canada, while 23.6 per cent voted to pursue a binding referendum on whether the province should separate.
The remaining nine questions, focused largely on immigration and constitutional changes, are also being counted right now and some have close races.
The emphatic result to remain culminates a year-long campaign from pro-Canada and separatist groups.
The Alberta government, on the other hand, campaigned for yes votes on the first nine questions, and Premier Danielle Smith also advocated for the province to remain in Canada.
She will address Albertans at 6:45 p.m. MT on Tuesday.
Elections Alberta was expected to announce results for Question 10 by 4 a.m. MT, but not all polls are reporting results yet.
Results for the first nine questions will be announced Wednesday morning.
The latest results, developments and analysis:
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‘Alberta needs to be treated better’
The co-leader of the grassroots separatist political movement Let Alberta Decide said this referendum vote has caused an “important discussion” about Alberta’s place within Confederation.
“The concerns that Albertans have today about how we're treated within Confederation did not begin with this referendum,” Keith Wilson said Monday evening. “It began over 100 years ago.”
According to the co-leader of the movement, Alberta is treated “differently” within Confederation than other provinces.
“It's fair to say that at least a quarter of Albertans feel that Alberta needs to be treated better,” Wilson said. “That Alberta can do better.”
He added that many, including himself feel like Ottawa is holding Albertans back.
“I think the discussion is going to continue because it needs to,” Wilson said.
‘This never should have happened’: Kenney
Former Alberta premier and United Conservative Party of Alberta co-founder Jason Kenney is celebrating the referendum results.
“As a Canadian patriot, I’m happy and I’m also hopeful that we will now decisively put this behind us,” Kenney told CTV’s Your Morning on Tuesday. “This never should have happened. No MLA, no government was elected to impose this kind of massive and deep social division on us.”
Kenney, who also served in former prime minister Stephen Harper’s cabinet, described Alberta’s separation leaders as “marginal characters” and “blowhards.”
“If those separatists want in a democratic society to continue to grind their axe, they are I guess free to do so by going and starting a separatist party,” Kenney added. “They must be told, I think at this point, that they’re no longer welcome in the United Conservative Party.”
Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney claps at an Edmonton Chamber luncheon, in Edmonton, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan
Issues remain
While Kenney supports remaining in Canada, he says Alberta’s legitimate grievances still need to be addressed by the federal government.
“Many of us, I believe, think that there are structural flaws in the federation that treat Alberta unfairly,” Kenney explained. “The primary complaint is this: We transfer about $20 billion more to Ottawa through our federal taxes than Albertans get back through federal benefits and transfers.”
“(Separatists are) no longer welcome in the United Conservative Party.”Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney
Daniel Otis, CTVNews.ca journalist
What happens now?
Now that Albertans have voted to remain, this particular process has ended.
But that doesn’t mean the issue, or the sentiments within the province that got us here, cease to exist. This so-called “no vote” doesn’t eliminate the possibility that a future government could revisit the question of separation.
Those on this side of the vote have already spoken out, indicating as much.
Keith Wilson, the co-chair for the group Let Alberta Decide, has said that no matter the outcome, it won’t be the end of the separatism discussion.
“Regardless of what happens tonight, it’s going to keep going forward,” he said. “I think we’re having the important discussions, and hopefully in time it will become less polarizing.”
Jeffrey Rath shows his support for Mitch Sylvestre as he submits signatures for a separation referendum to Elections Alberta in Edmonton, on Monday, May 4, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Separatists to continue push
Jeffrey Rath, legal counsel for the separatist Alberta Prosperity Project, said he thinks a “political movement” has been created.
“We’re not going to stop until Alberta becomes a free and independent country and becomes the wealthiest country in the world,” he said.
Under the province’s citizen-initiated referendum laws, a future petition process could spark a similar democratic exercise.
Under the province’s citizen-initiated referendum laws, a future petition process could spark a similar democratic exercise.
“We’re not going to stop until Alberta becomes a free and independent country and becomes the wealthiest country in the world.”Jeffrey Rath, legal counsel for the separatist Alberta Prosperity Project
Rachel Aiello, CTV News Ottawa Bureau correspondent
Canada ‘worth fighting for’: Poilievre
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre celebrated the win for the remain side, saying the “promise of Canada is worth fighting for.”
“Now our focus must be on results in people’s lives: affordable food and homes, safe streets, strong borders, and less immigration,” he wrote on X.
Poilievre rallied in favour of Alberta’s continued membership in confederation in recent days. He encouraged Albertans who were leaning toward separation to think of Canada as more than the federal party in power.
“To those thinking about taking out their frustration on the current government by voting for separation, I say this: Canada is more than a government; it is a people, a flag, a land, a history and a promise,” he told a crowd at Calgary’s Canada Strong and Free conference last week.
Poilievre, who had long held the Ontario riding of Carleton, recently ran and won a new seat in Alberta’s Battle River-Crowfoot district.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivers a speech on national unity in Calgary, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
‘Biggest political mistake of the year’
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is calling the premier's decision to hold a referendum vote “the biggest political mistake of the year.”
“Politicians have made politics so ugly, but what we know with this referendum is that Albertans have woken up. They've woken up to what this government is, and they've woken up to the possibility of a much better government,” Nenshi said, as the crowd cheered Monday evening. “So, our job is to keep them awake.”
He went on to say, “this disaster of a referendum” will be Premier Danielle Smith’s legacy, adding she “will always be separatism,” as he reacted to early results.
Nenshi criticized the nearly $200-million referendum cost.
“Albertans have shown that when they're faced with a well-funded campaign, when they're faced with people who are feeding them misinformation every single day, when they're faced with people who try to divide us into camps, they say ‘no, enough,’” he said. “That is not Alberta.”
‘There’s still some unifying that needs to be done’
While Albertans voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining in Canada, political strategist Matt Solberg says more needs to be done to address the concerns of those who want to separate.
“There’s still some unifying that needs to be done here,” Solberg told CTV’s Your Morning on Tuesday. “Certain parts of the province are feeling more optimistic than others.”
Solberg, a partner at New West Public Affairs, spent more than a decade working in Alberta politics, including as a former communications director and spokesperson for the United Conservative Party of Alberta.
“I’m not terribly surprised to see [support for separation] break down primarily on rural and urban lines,” Solberg said.
“But ultimately, I think the premier has a clear mandate across the province now to say that, ‘Look, things aren't perfect, I've never said they were, and in fact, I've been working since I became Premier to try and strengthen Alberta's position, but within Confederation.’”
A supporter waits for results at the pro Canada watch party in Edmonton, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James Maclennan
Daniel Otis, CTVNews.ca journalist
‘Setting the stage for something very different’
Albertans rejecting a second referendum to separate from Canada was a “decisive” move, according to CTV News’ Chief Political Correspondent Vassy Kapelos. But this does not mean the separatists are going to accept it and back down.
“Clearly, they're setting the stage for something very different,” Kapelos told CTV News Channel Monday evening.
“They obviously didn't get the result they wanted. I do think though that this experience has amplified their voices in the public discourse in this province and elsewhere, and they're going to try to run with that.”
Kapelos later added that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has “expelled some political capital” during this vote that she could rebuild ahead of the next election. Meanwhile, there are people who align with the separatist movement and want to “keep the pressure” on the premier.
“They feel as though she's betrayed them, and she'll face them at the party's convention at the end of November.”
How Calgary voted
Twenty-two of Calgary’s 26 ridings all voted more than 80 per cent according to the current unofficial results as of 4 a.m. MT on Tuesday.
The remaining four ridings were all more than 75 per cent in support of staying, with Calgary-South East being the lowest result in the city at 76.8 per cent.
In that riding, there were 24,509 votes cast to stay while 7,407 voted for another referendum.
Calgary’s Mayor Jeromy Farkas says, despite the positive outcome, the whole debate caused damage to the city’s – and Alberta’s – reputation.
“(It) has caused the rest of the country to really doubt what our commitment really is. It’s also lost us a lot of talent and investment,” he said.
“My vote to remain was not an endorsement of the status quo but it was a show of confidence to support our premier (and) support our prime minister. They’re working together, they’re showing how our country can work and we are so much better off as a globally connected Canadian city.”
Albertans lean away from Question 8
Of the nine non-referendum proposals, Albertans appear to favour all but one.
Question 8 is the outlier.
“Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs that intrude on provincial jurisdiction such as health care, education and social services, without a province losing any of the associated federal funding for use in its social programs?”Question 8, Alberta Referendum 2026
The margin is narrow, though. As of 5 a.m. MT, the no votes amounted to just over 300,000, leading the yes side which counted 281,000 supporters. Many polling areas have yet to report their results, and official counts are expected on Wednesday.
Several questions have flip-flopped as tight margins endure between yes and no votes down the ballot.
Central Peace-Notley
This northern riding is the only one in the province where the majority of voters counted so far want a second referendum to vote on whether Alberta should separate from Canada.
With 53 of 60 polls reporting, 51.1 per cent of voters in Central Peace-Notley chose Option 2 in Question 10, supporting a binding separation vote.
No ridings in Edmonton or Calgary dipped below 75 per cent for Option 1, in favour of staying in Canada, while many ridings in northern, central and southern Alberta had ridings in the high 50s and low 60s.
Doug Ford wants new pipelines
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he’s “thrilled” with the results on separation, calling it a choice in favour of a “stronger, more prosperous future” for Alberta.
“Now it’s up to the rest of Canada to deliver on our commitment to Alberta by building new pipelines, unlocking our natural resources and unleashing the prosperity that will protect the future of Canadians from coast to coast to coast,” he added in a post on X.
Over the summer, Smith and Ford unveiled a proposal for a new pipeline that would run between their two provinces. They said it would move up to 500,000 barrels of oil per day and could expand capacity to deliver up to 800,000.
At the time, Greenpeace Canada criticized the proposal, saying there was no business case for such a project.
At the time, Greenpeace Canada criticized the proposal, saying there was no business case for such a project.
Smith to hold post-vote address
Smith says she plans to address Albertans live at 6:45 p.m. MT to discuss referendum results and look ahead to “where our province goes from here.”
FILE: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith listens to a question during a press conference at the Canadian Forces Base in Edmonton. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James Maclennan
Divisions on immigration
The immigration questions asked whether Alberta should have more say on who comes to the province to work and whether it's time to put more limitations -- and perhaps introduce fees -- on some who seek access to health care and education.
Smith has said immigration is a benefit but must be economically sustainable. Critics have called the questions anti-immigrant dog-whistling.
Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack said Monday that not only does Alberta need to move on from separation, it should also ditch the immigration questions.
"I don't want our neighbours to feel like they're not welcome in our city," Knack said.
At a polling station in Calgary, voters were split.
Jamie Fisher said she supports all nine. "I don't think it's been fair (to Alberta) for a really long time, and I think a lot of people need to really hear that message," she said.
Amneet Mann characterized some of the questions as anti-immigrant. "I just don't think that's what this country stands for," she said.
Alberta referendum question seen in Edmonton. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Question 9: Whose laws apply?
The question is: Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to better protect provincial rights from federal interference by giving a province's laws dealing with provincial or shared areas of constitutional jurisdiction priority over federal laws when the province's laws and federal laws conflict?
Under the Constitution, federal laws are given standing over provincial laws when they overlap and conflict. Like the other questions that deal with constitutional reform, a shift toward provincial legal paramountcy would require approval from the Senate, the House of Commons and seven provinces representing at least half the country’s population.
At around 3 a.m. MT, the vote was essentially split, with both sides commanding around 170,000 counted votes.
A Canadian flag flies in front of the of the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton, on Sunday, Oct, 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timon Johnson
Question 8: Opting out of federal programs
The question is: Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs that intrude on provincial jurisdiction such as health care, education, and social services, without a province losing any of the associated federal funding for use in its social programs?
- Read more about the question and what it means here.
This has been the closest question all night, regularly changing back and forth between yes and no.
Final results will be announced on Wednesday. Find live results here.
Final results will be announced on Wednesday. Find live results here.
Question 7: Abolish the Senate?
The question is: Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to abolish the unelected federal Senate?
Just before 3 a.m. MT, yes votes led by around 20,000, though ballots are still being counted.
Such a move requires unanimous approval from all provinces and ratification in the House of Commons and the Senate itself.
FILE: Governor General Louise Arbour departs the Senate after she was installed as Canada's 31st Governor General in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Question 6: Amending the constitution
The question is: Do you support the Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to have provincial governments, and not the federal government, select the justices appointed to provincial King's Bench and Appeal courts?
In order to change Canada’s constitution, a provincial government would need to rally significant, widespread support from elsewhere in the country. Canadian law permits amendments only after the green light is given by two thirds of the country’s provinces representing an 50 per cent aggregate of Canada’s overall population.
The two sides were functionally tied at 2:30 a.m. MT as ballots were still being counted. We expect official results to arrive on Wednesday.
FILE: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith adjusts her microphone as she prepares to speak during a news conference following the First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Question 5: Voter ID
The question is: Do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card, to vote in an Alberta provincial election?
Voters appeared to be leaning yes shortly after 2 a.m. MT. The yes side had roughly 232,000 ballots, while those against amounted to 142,000. There remain thousands of votes that have not yet been counted.
In Alberta, voting is restricted to provincial residents, who are also Canadian citizens, over the age of 18. Voters already need to show identification and confirm their address in order to cast a ballot.
A voting sign to be used for the 2026 Alberta Referendum in Edmonton, Alta. The Canadian Press
Question 4: Access to care
The question is: Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for public health care and education as they do now, do you support the Government of Alberta charging a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with a non-permanent immigration status living in Alberta for their and their family’s use of the health-care and education systems?
- Read more about the question and what it means here.
Much like the three immigration questions before it, Question 4 is receiving relatively strong approval from Alberta voters, with an advantage of more than 50,000 votes.
Final results will be announced on Wednesday. See live results here.
Question 3: 12 months for social support
The question is: Assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for social support programs as they do now, do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring all individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially-funded social support programs?
The province has said it wouldn’t choose which programs would be affected until after the referendum, should Albertans support it. At around 2 a.m. MT, the yes camp commanded around 75,000 votes over the no side (297,000-221,390).
Newcomer support workers expressed concern over Question 3 to CTV News earlier this month, saying it could lead to worsening housing instability and reduce immigrants’ access to services impacting their basic needs.
Question 2: Here's where we stand
The question is: Do you support the Government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status will be eligible for provincially-funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services.
- Read more about the question and what it means here.
More than 600,000 votes have been counted for Question 2. Nearly 350,000 Albertans voted yes, while just over 275,000 voted no.
Fifty-five per cent of polls are reporting as of 2 a.m. MT on Tuesday.
Final results will be announced on Wednesday. Find live results here.
Question 1: ‘Sustainable’ immigration
The question is: Do you support the Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities?
Smith said in February that a “sustainable” level of immigration would represent less than one per cent of the population, or roughly 50,000 newcomers each year.
At around 1:50 a.m. MT, the yes votes led by about 100,000, though there are still a lot of ballots to be counted, with a majority of voting areas in some divisions still yet to report.
In Calgary-Bow, a downtown riding and one of the few electoral divisions where all votes have been tallied, the yes side captured over 10,000 supporters, beating the no side by about 1,500. See a live breakdown here ahead of official results expected on Wednesday.
The other 9 questions
The Alberta government is currently receiving some support for the other nine questions in this referendum.
As of 1 a.m. on Tuesday, 'yes' leads 'no' by at least 40,000 in all five immigration questions.
The remaining four questions are much closer and some have changed back and forth multiple times.
'Albertans chose Canada': PM Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Albertans made a clear choice in the referendum.
"They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other," he said in a statement. "Above all, Albertans chose Canada."
Carney said with the initial results announced, Albertans and their fellow Canadians can move forward together with a renewed purpose.
"Canada is so much greater than the sum of its parts. Now it is our opportunity to take all that we have been given as Canadians – and we have been given the greatest country in the world – and make our country better for all of us,” he said.
Smith 'very pleased' with results
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she’s "very pleased to see the initial results from Elections Alberta show widespread support for remaining in Canada."
"Thank you to all Albertans who took time to vote on these critically important referendum questions," the premier wrote in a social media post.
"Thank you to all Albertans who took time to vote on these critically important referendum questions," the premier wrote in a social media post.
Other 9 questions split so far
While Elections Alberta is unofficially reporting a landslide of support for Option 1 on Question 10, results for the other nine questions are so far split.
The five questions on immigration are seeing slightly higher support than the four constitutional questions.
Official results on the nine questions are expected to come in over the following days.
The five questions on immigration are seeing slightly higher support than the four constitutional questions.
Official results on the nine questions are expected to come in over the following days.
Live results piling in as polls close
Initial results from a week of advance voting and mail-in ballots are coming in hot as Elections Alberta confirms all polls have closed.
So far, around 80 per cent of just over one million voters have voted to remain in Canada.
That’s nearly 800,000 votes so far for Option 1 on Question 10.
More than 2.2 million valid votes were cast, according to Elections Alberta.
More than 2.2 million valid votes were cast, according to Elections Alberta.
Separatism discussion to continue: Let Alberta Decide co-chair
Keith Wilson, the co-chair for the group Let Alberta Decide, says he's cautiously optimistic about the results of Monday's vote.
"We've seen other historical examples like Brexit, for example, and the election of Donald Trump as against Hillary Clinton. Those were very polarising, so people weren't talking about how they were truly voting when they were talking to pollsters," he told CTV News Calgary.
"A little bit of me is hoping for a big upset, but even if we get in the high 30s or into the 40s, I'll be very satisfied with that because it shows this is a serious topic."
No matter the outcome of the vote, Wilson says it won't be the end of the separatism discussion, and he hopes it becomes a more mainstream topic.
"Regardless of what happens tonight, it's going to keep going forward," he said.
"I think we're having the important discussions, and hopefully in time it will become less polarising, because I do believe that we need fundamental constitutional reforms, change to statutes, so that Albertans can feel that there have proper democratic representation, and we can address equalisation."
Urban and rural vote expected to differ
The leader of separatist group Alberta Prosperity Project says votes among rural and urban voters will differ.
“Regardless of how this works out, there is going to be lots of support for Alberta independence in rural Alberta,” said Mitch Sylvestre at an event in Edmonton, adding that he’s seen support for separation in the capital region as well.
The independence leader added that there are several rural MLAs that have voiced support for separating.
“As a consequence to that, that puts a little pressure on the government,” Sylvestre told CTV News Edmonton. “If we’re over 40 per cent, it’s game on.”
“Regardless of how this works out, there is going to be lots of support for Alberta independence in rural Alberta,” said Mitch Sylvestre at an event in Edmonton, adding that he’s seen support for separation in the capital region as well.
The independence leader added that there are several rural MLAs that have voiced support for separating.
“As a consequence to that, that puts a little pressure on the government,” Sylvestre told CTV News Edmonton. “If we’re over 40 per cent, it’s game on.”
Alberta Prosperity Project Mitch Sylvestre the leader and CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project addresses supporters as they await referendum results in Edmonton, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan
One poll has yet to close: Elections Alberta
Elections Alberta confirmed that as of 10:35 p.m. MT, one poll has yet to close.
Some Cardston-Siksika residents who got in line before 8 p.m. are still voting. Until the last Albertan wishing to vote gets to cast a ballot, a polling station cannot close.
Official results can’t be reported until all stations are closed. Anyone refreshing election results should see data trickling in as soon as the delay is over.
Polls close, results can be reported
Voting results can start being reported now that polls have officially closed, according to Elections Alberta.
More than 100 voting stations had extended hours after they didn’t open on time this morning due to various issues.
Elections Alberta said results for question 10 – asking if Alberta should remain in Canada or have a second, binding referendum – should start coming in Monday night through Tuesday morning.
More than a third of eligible voters cast their ballot in advanced polls or by mail.
More than 100 voting stations had extended hours after they didn’t open on time this morning due to various issues.
Elections Alberta said results for question 10 – asking if Alberta should remain in Canada or have a second, binding referendum – should start coming in Monday night through Tuesday morning.
More than a third of eligible voters cast their ballot in advanced polls or by mail.
‘Alberta will never be independent as long as Smith is leader’: Rath
Separatist and legal counsel for the Alberta Prosperity Project said the premier is preventing the province from leaving Confederation.
“Alberta will never be independent as long as Danielle Smith is the leader of the United Conservative Party,” said Jeffrey Rath at an event in Edmonton. “We’ve created a political movement and we’re not going to stop until Alberta becomes a free and independent country and becomes the wealthiest country in the world.”
The Alberta Prosperity Project launched a petition asking if the province should leave Canada earlier this year. The petition was quashed in court after a judge ruled that the UCP government did not consult with First Nations properly as required in the Constitution.
Smith then announced question 10, citing the legal uncertainty of the court decision on the separatist petition as a reason.
“Alberta will never be independent as long as Danielle Smith is the leader of the United Conservative Party,” said Jeffrey Rath at an event in Edmonton. “We’ve created a political movement and we’re not going to stop until Alberta becomes a free and independent country and becomes the wealthiest country in the world.”
The Alberta Prosperity Project launched a petition asking if the province should leave Canada earlier this year. The petition was quashed in court after a judge ruled that the UCP government did not consult with First Nations properly as required in the Constitution.
Smith then announced question 10, citing the legal uncertainty of the court decision on the separatist petition as a reason.
Jeffrey Rath, Calgary-based lawyer and co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) speaks with Le Canal Nouvelles (LCN) in Edmonton, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan
Edmonton mayor votes no to the nine
Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack says he’s voted for Canada and against the other nine questions – and hopes those voting similarly haven’t gotten too comfortable.
“Had you asked me two months ago, I was unsure. There was, in a way, a bit of complacency it felt like was settling in,” he told CTV News Edmonton on Monday.
“I think at some point people realized, ‘Well, no, we actually all have to do something if we’re going to ensure that we stay part of Canada.’”
‘Most important vote I’ve ever done’
In Calgary, voters bustled in and out of Grace Presbyterian Church in the morning. Those coming out were given yellow stickers saying: "I voted."
Scott Hill, donning a baseball cap with a Maple Leaf, said he's respectful of everyone's opinion. But for him, the referendum is "surreal," and his vote was to stay.
"People are angry, I can see that. But we're Canadian, we need to stand together," he said, noting his grandfather fought in the Second World War.
"This is without a doubt the most important vote I've ever done."
'We love this country': campaign volunteer
Forever Canadian campaign volunteer Amir Morv says the team was motivated by a love for Canada.
"We all love this country, and for us, that is the main reason and motivation for all of us to work on this campaign," he told CTV News Edmonton.
"I think we were successful at bringing a wide range of Albertans together around the same cause and we all did whatever we could to make sure our message is spread across the province," he added.
"I hope tonight the result will be something we can all be happy about."
"We all love this country, and for us, that is the main reason and motivation for all of us to work on this campaign," he told CTV News Edmonton.
"I think we were successful at bringing a wide range of Albertans together around the same cause and we all did whatever we could to make sure our message is spread across the province," he added.
"I hope tonight the result will be something we can all be happy about."
Pro-separation MLA won’t seek re-election
Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan announced Monday night that he won’t be seeking re-election next year.
Stephan has publicly stated that he voted in favour of a second, binding referendum on Alberta separating from Canada.
“Because my duty is to seek freedom and prosperity for Albertans, I have sought to speak the truth as I best understand it,” wrote Stephan in a letter. “That duty continues.
“The status quo is not the right way for Albertans.”
Stephan went on to say there are many men and women in Red Deer who would make excellent MLAs.
The United Conservative Party MLA was elected in 2019.
Edmonton MP says resounding rejection of separatism needed
Edmonton Centre MP and Minister of Emergency Management Eleanor Olszewski says a 50 per-cent plus one vote for Alberta to stay in Canada would not be sufficient.
"In my view we need a resounding rejection of separatism," she told CTV News Edmonton on Monday evening.
"This has gone on long enough, it's caused a lot of uncertainty and problems in the business community, and out of all the points of time in our history this is when we need to be unified as a country, and I think this referendum has done anything but that."
Olszewski says she's heard from Albertans over recent months that they support Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, but she accepts that many Albertans still have issues with Ottawa.
"We know that today's not the finish line. Things aren't over once the votes are counted," she said.
"Our government will continue to work with Alberta in partnership, in collaboration, on major projects, on defence, and in many other ways."
"In my view we need a resounding rejection of separatism," she told CTV News Edmonton on Monday evening.
"This has gone on long enough, it's caused a lot of uncertainty and problems in the business community, and out of all the points of time in our history this is when we need to be unified as a country, and I think this referendum has done anything but that."
Olszewski says she's heard from Albertans over recent months that they support Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, but she accepts that many Albertans still have issues with Ottawa.
"We know that today's not the finish line. Things aren't over once the votes are counted," she said.
"Our government will continue to work with Alberta in partnership, in collaboration, on major projects, on defence, and in many other ways."
Referendum promoted ‘serious, adult discussion’
The co-chair of one of several groups advocating for Alberta’s separation says the campaign has been a success regardless of the outcome.
“I’ve said that publicly, that I think we’ve won,” said Keith Wilson of Let Alberta Decide.
“We’ve won in the sense that the goal was to have a serious, adult discussion about how Alberta’s place can be improved within Confederation,” he added, “even if that means the risk that we go all the way and hold a second vote in the future for secession.”
Let Alberta Decide held an event on Monday night in Calgary’s East Village to gather and listen to referendum results.
Organizers previously admitted it would be an uphill battle to convince residents that separation is viable and necessary.
Stephen Hunt, CTVNewsCalgary.ca Digital Producer
Albertans ‘very much engaged’: Lukaszuk
Election Day watch parties began gathering around 8 p.m. local time in Edmonton.
From the capital city’s Polish Hall, Forever Canadian proponent Thomas Lukaszuk told CTV News that Albertans have been “very much engaged” in the separation debate.
One third of eligible Alberta voters have so far cast their ballot in the past week.
“I think the voter turnout will be better than average … It has to be a sound reaffirmation of us wanting to be in Canada,” he said.
He says it’s been a pleasure to lead Alberta’s unity campaign and hopes a pro-Canada vote is “decisive” enough to avoid another referendum.
“Premier Danielle Smith, under this referendum act, gets to decide what is and isn’t a win.”
Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk plays a cowbell while waiting for results at the pro Canada watch party in Edmonton, Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James Maclennan
Reasons for late polls ‘varied’
Elections Alberta says the late starts at more than 100 polls are par for the course.
“Delayed openings happen during every electoral event,” the agency said in an X reply. “With 1,400 locations, it is to be expected.”
The reasons included sick calls, late staff arrivals, technology issues and “incorrect material set up.”
Some Alberta polls have closed as of 8 p.m. MT, but no results can be published until two hours later.
Referendum a distraction: First Nations Chief
Chief of the Mikisew Cree First Nation Government is hopeful Alberta will remain part of Canada.
“I am feeling pretty confident that we are going to vote in favour of remaining in Canada,” Melody Lepine said in an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday.
Calling the referendum a “distraction,” she expressed hope that everyone can move past the vote and instead focus on “key challenges."
Lepine said her community is downstream on Athabasca River from major Alberta oil sands operators, who have pushed for treat-and-release regulations to filter and discharge treated wastewater into the river. She said that poses “critical health issues” for her community, citing unproven technologies, cancer risks, and historical toxic leaks.
The chief expressed hope that the issue would be addressed by the federal government.
“Separating does not make sense, not right now,” she concluded, adding there are other “pressing issues” to deal with.
“I am feeling pretty confident that we are going to vote in favour of remaining in Canada,” Melody Lepine said in an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday.
Calling the referendum a “distraction,” she expressed hope that everyone can move past the vote and instead focus on “key challenges."
Lepine said her community is downstream on Athabasca River from major Alberta oil sands operators, who have pushed for treat-and-release regulations to filter and discharge treated wastewater into the river. She said that poses “critical health issues” for her community, citing unproven technologies, cancer risks, and historical toxic leaks.
The chief expressed hope that the issue would be addressed by the federal government.
“Separating does not make sense, not right now,” she concluded, adding there are other “pressing issues” to deal with.
Potentially 'huge economic implications': expert
If Alberta were to move to separate from Canada, the departure would have "'huge economic implications," one economist says.
In an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday, Colin Mang said Alberta’s trade is closely connected with the rest of the country. For instance, he said Alberta sends about $100 billion worth of products to other provinces while importing roughly the same amount of items from other provinces.
“About 32 per cent of Alberta businesses sell to customers in other provinces -- that's the highest rate anywhere in the country. It's about five percentage points higher than the national average," said Mang, an assistant professor of economics at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.
What’s more, Mang said the province makes up nearly 16 per cent of the country's national income while it’s about 12 per cent of the Canadian population. The per person income in the province is about 28 per cent higher than in the rest of the country, he added.
"So Alberta is very deeply integrated with the rest of the country and if they chose to separate, that would have huge economic implications for Canada but also for Alberta specifically,” he said.
In an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday, Colin Mang said Alberta’s trade is closely connected with the rest of the country. For instance, he said Alberta sends about $100 billion worth of products to other provinces while importing roughly the same amount of items from other provinces.
“About 32 per cent of Alberta businesses sell to customers in other provinces -- that's the highest rate anywhere in the country. It's about five percentage points higher than the national average," said Mang, an assistant professor of economics at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.
What’s more, Mang said the province makes up nearly 16 per cent of the country's national income while it’s about 12 per cent of the Canadian population. The per person income in the province is about 28 per cent higher than in the rest of the country, he added.
"So Alberta is very deeply integrated with the rest of the country and if they chose to separate, that would have huge economic implications for Canada but also for Alberta specifically,” he said.
Separation could push investors away: Amanda Lang
The prospect of a “yes” vote to hold a binding referendum on separation has made some Alberta businesses nervous, CTV News chief financial correspondent Amanda Lang said Monday.
Alberta’s economy could shrink by as much as $62 billion a year if the province splits from Canada, according to a survey conducted by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. The chamber also warned of an exodus of members to other provinces in that eventuality.
Lang noted the potential of a changing relationship between Alberta and Canada throwing businesses off, especially since “we’ve just invited them back to the oil sands, the oil sector” and it might “send the dollars the other way.”
With files from Elvy Alias
With files from Elvy Alias
Where to watch CTV News' Alberta Referendum special coverage
Starting at 10 p.m. MT (12 a.m. ET), CTV News will deliver live, special coverage of referendum night across Alberta, with real-time results, expert analysis and reporting from key locations around the province. Watch on CTV (Alberta stations), CTVNews.ca, the CTV News app, CTV News Channel and Crave or watch live on the CTV News YouTube channel.
Coverage will be led by CTV News Calgary Senior Anchor Tara Nelson, joined by CTV National News Chief Anchor Omar Sachedina and Chief Political Correspondent Vassy Kapelos, along with an expert panel featuring former Alberta premiers Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney. CTV News Edmonton Senior Anchor Geoff Hastings will provide reaction from the provincial capital, while reporters across Alberta bring viewers the latest developments as the results come in.
Meet the couple who’s voted in two referendums
In 1995, Quebecers voted by a razor-thin margin to remain in Canada. Just 50.58 per cent said “no” to separation.
Thirty-one years ago, Gary and Yveline, who asked that their last name not be used, voted for Quebec to remain part of Canada. Now living in Alberta, the husband and wife say they’re in favour of leaving.
“We didn’t think that Quebec had the ability to survive on their own,” Gary said. “Alberta can actually survive on its own financially ... I think Alberta could make a good go of it.”
Scope, scale not seen before: Elections Alberta
With voting well underway, Elections Alberta says the magnitude of the referendum is something they haven’t experienced.
“The scope and scale of this is something we have not seen before,” said spokesperson Michelle Gurney.
More than 1,400 voting locations are open across the province, some of which were delayed in opening. Gurney said she didn’t have details as to why certain polls opened late, but ensured those stations would have extended hours as a result.
Several locations during the advanced polls last week opened late due to technical issues.
Gurney said Elections Alberta printed 45 million ballots, which is a buffer consistent with past elections.
Some First Nations communities with voting stations have seen higher than anticipated attendance, prompting couriers to deliver more ballots to accommodate the demand.
She added that since 2023, three stations have been added in First Nations communities, bringing the unofficial number up to 36.
Results on question 10 are expected to start coming in after 10 p.m. MT.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Chelan Skulski
