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Albertans vote today on a path toward leaving Canada
Albertans vote Monday on whether the province should remain in Canada or begin the legal process toward a future referendum on separation. A vote to start that process would not take Alberta out of Canada on Monday. Polls show remaining well ahead; an Angus Reid poll released Oct. 16 put it at 66% to 34%. The separation question is one of 10 on the ballot.
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How each side sees it
Separatist leaders sayKeith Wilson sees the vote as leverage for negotiating with Ottawa and would accept major structural changes short of independence; Jeff Rath said he would be "thrilled" with more than 30% of the vote.
Opponents sayPrime Minister Mark Carney, who leads the federal unity campaign, says Canada faces "real threats" and must "be strong." Premier Danielle Smith called the vote but supports staying in Canada, saying support for starting the process is "still too high for my liking."
Sources
- AP via PBS NewsHour: How Alberta separatism went from fringe cause to referendum
- CTV News (Canadian Press): Alberta referendum: Voters head to the polls today
- Angus Reid Institute: 'Remain' continues to lead by a wide margin
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