Alberta separation referendum turnout hits 70.4%, highest since 1975
Elections Alberta released final results showing three-quarters of voters rejected a second, binding separation vote, while backing changes to immigration policy.
Why it matters
The result sets the province's near-term course on both the separation question and potential immigration policy changes.
Elections Alberta has confirmed final turnout for last week's provincewide referendum at 70.4 per cent, the highest participation in a provincewide vote since at least 1975. The figure falls short of the all-time record of 81.8 per cent set during the 1935 general election.
The ballot included 10 questions. On the central separation question, roughly three-quarters of voters chose to remain part of Canada rather than proceed toward a second, binding referendum on separation.
On the remaining nine questions, voters approved having the province pursue changes to immigration policy, while rejecting questions that would have pushed the government to take further action to claim powers from the federal government.
The provincial government has said any resulting immigration legislation would not come before next spring at the earliest.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.