Alberta voters reject starting process toward separation from Canada

Voters in Alberta, Canada's oil-rich province, have rejected a proposal to begin a process that could lead to independence from Canada, CBS News reported. The vote was not a direct referendum on independence but would have initiated a legal path toward a future separation vote.

With over 1 million votes counted, approximately 76% supported remaining part of Canada, while 23% favored starting the separation process, according to CBS News. The turnout included more than 1.35 million Albertans casting advance or special ballots.

The proposal's defeat was seen as a victory for Canadian unity supporters amid ongoing tensions such as trade disputes and annexation threats, CBS News noted.

Alberta, known for its significant oil reserves and conservative political culture, has historically harbored resentment toward the federal government in Ottawa. Some voters expressed feelings of being treated as a colony by Ottawa, while others criticized the referendum as a costly distraction from issues like healthcare, CBS News reported.

The vote followed extended polling hours due to late openings at more than 100 stations, reflecting high voter engagement in the issue, CBS News added.