EDMONTON, CANADA — Voters in Alberta are taking part in a non-binding referendum on Monday on whether the oil-rich Canadian province should pursue separation from the country. The vote does not itself make Alberta independent but could influence efforts to hold a future binding referendum.
Home to around five million people, Alberta has a long-running dispute with the federal government over energy and environmental policies. Supporters of independence argue that Ottawa’s regulations constrain the province’s oil industry and that Alberta contributes more economically to Canada than it receives in return.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Albertans to remain within Canada. Premier Danielle Smith has also expressed support for remaining in the country, although she called the referendum following pressure from separatist groups within her governing political movement.
A majority voting in favour of separation would lead Smith to seek a binding referendum on independence. However, the process would involve further legal and political steps.
Opinion polling ahead of the vote indicated that most Albertans preferred to remain in Canada. Even so, the referendum is expected to serve as a measure of public dissatisfaction with the federal government and could keep the independence debate alive.
The outcome could shape future discussions over provincial autonomy, energy policy and the relationship between Alberta and Ottawa.
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