Voters in Canada’s oil-rich Alberta province overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada in a referendum held Tuesday, with about 76% of more than 1.5 million votes counted supporting staying in Canada versus nearly 24% supporting beginning a process toward separation. The referendum was not a direct vote on independence but on whether to start a path toward a future separation vote. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith both welcomed the result as a victory for national unity amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation threats. Separatists, however, saw a silver lining, saying at least a quarter of Albertans feel the province needs better treatment within Canada. Alberta is home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves.
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