Alberta votes in separation referendum

Alberta residents voted on October 19, 2026, in a non-binding referendum to decide if they want their province to remain part of Canada or pursue independence. The vote included 10 questions, with the final one asking whether Alberta should start the legal process for a future binding referendum on separation. Polling locations were open from October 19, allowing voters to cast ballots at designated stations across the province. Early results are expected after all polls close, with the final count announced early Tuesday morning. Despite long-standing tensions between Alberta and Ottawa over energy policies and economic issues, recent polls indicated that around 70% of Albertans want to stay in Canada, while about a quarter support independence.