Northern Albertans, particularly rural voters, have shown stronger support for separation, although the referendum results are not yet finalized. Central Peace-Notley, encompassing towns like Fox Creek and Valleyview, demonstrated the highest backing for Option 2, which proposes a second binding referendum on separation, with a rate of 50.4 percent.
Robert Willing, the reeve of the Municipal District of Peace in the Peace River riding of northern Alberta, expressed a sense of disillusionment with the federal government in the region. With only one poll outstanding, 42.5 percent of voters leaned towards separatism. Willing highlighted a perceived disconnect between Alberta and the federal government, particularly in the context of the oil and gas sector.
The reluctance of Ottawa in constructing a pipeline through Alberta to the West Coast has been viewed as an affront to the province by some locals, potentially fueling separatist sentiments. Willing praised Prime Minister Mark Carney for taking steps that resonate positively in regions of Alberta reliant on oil and gas, citing the proposed Pacific Link pipeline as a contributing factor.
In Grande Prairie, where support for separation stands at 37.5 percent, Mayor Jackie Clayton indicated that the referendum results reflect rural Albertans’ sentiments towards the province’s relationship with Ottawa. The owner of Bullets and Broadheads Shooting Center in Grande Prairie, Robin Coward, expressed disappointment with the referendum outcome but acknowledged it as a reflection of Alberta’s stance.
Coward advocated for Alberta to have more autonomy within Canada, drawing a parallel with Quebec’s approach. Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation remarked on the predictability of Albertans voting to remain in Canada, dismissing the referendum as a futile exercise. He highlighted the significant turnout at the nation’s only polling place and the active participation of First Nations in the referendum.
The urban areas of Alberta overwhelmingly favored Option 1 to remain in Canada, with most ridings surpassing 80 percent support, and Edmonton-Strathcona even exceeding 90 percent. Notably, Edmonton-West Henday and Calgary-South East recorded the lowest support for remaining in Canada among Edmonton and Calgary ridings, respectively.
The full referendum results are anticipated to be released on Wednesday night.
