Voters in the Canadian province of Alberta have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to begin the process of separating from Canada, with approximately three-quarters of the voters voting against the move in a referendum held on Monday. The result represents a major setback for the provinces’ separatist movement and a political victory for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Preliminary results showed that around 25% of voters supported beginning the legal process that could eventually have led to a binding referendum on independence. The vote was not itself a decision on whether Alberta should leave Canada, but would have authorised the provincial government to begin the constitutional steps necessary to pursue separation.

Alberta, which contains some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has long had a difficult relationship with Canada’s federal government. Separatist sentiment has been driven particularly by frustration over federal energy and environmental policies, which critics argue have constrained the province’s oil and gas industry and undermined its economic interests.

The movement gained momentum under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose government’s climate policies were strongly opposed by many in Alberta. The province’s United Conservative Party premier, Danielle Smith, subsequently called the referendum to settle the question of separation, although she herself opposed independence.

The result was welcomed by Carney, who grew up in Alberta and has sought to improve relations between the province and the federal government since taking office in 2025. His government has adopted a more accommodating position towards energy development, including cooperation with Smith on proposals for new oil export infrastructure.

The referendum also took place against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Canada and the United States. American President Donald Trump’s trade measures and repeated suggestions that Canada could become the 51st American state have heightened concerns about Canadian sovereignty.

Despite the decisive rejection, separatist leaders have indicated that their campaign will continue. Jeffrey Rath, a prominent proponent of Albertan secession, said the movement would remain active, while other campaigners argued that the referendum had brought longstanding grievances with Ottawa into national political debate.