Voters in Alberta have decisively voted to stay in Canada, but this result may have no impact on the separatist movement that brought the question to a vote.
Initial Voting Results
Initial results announced on Tuesday show that about 76% of voters expressed their opposition to starting the process of holding a binding referendum on separation. Although this vote did not grant permission for Alberta to separate from Canada, it could have led the province to the next stages of separation.
Continued Discussion of Separatism
Prior to this vote, most residents of Alberta expected this discussion to continue. A recent poll from Angus Reid showed that 62% of the province's people believe that "separatism will never end." Kate Wilson, a prominent separatist leader, said at a rally: "This will not happen" and emphasized that the separatist movement will continue its efforts.
Jared Wesley, a political science professor at the University of Alberta, stated before the results were announced that even if the referendum fails, "it seems that separatism as a political strategy, if not as a real goal, will not go away soon." He also noted that the next provincial general election will be held next year, and voters may face a similar question again.
Dissatisfaction with the Federal Government
The Alberta separatist campaign gained more attention after the Liberal Party led by Mark Carney won last year's federal election. Many residents of Alberta have expressed dissatisfaction with their lack of adequate representation in the Liberal government. This dissatisfaction is largely due to the federal government's energy policies, particularly in light of criticisms regarding obstacles created for pipeline projects.
There are feelings of dissatisfaction among some residents of the province who believe that "central Canada is exploiting Alberta" and that the central government is slowing down Alberta's oil resource development with environmental restrictions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this referendum was held while the Carney government emphasizes national unity and is in a context of trade tensions with the United States. This move may, despite strong sentiments from Canada supporters, reflect a deep dissatisfaction with the lack of representation and attention to Alberta's needs.
