Prime Minister Mark Carney hailed the result as a victory for national unity. “Albertans made a clear choice,” he said. “They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other. Above all, Albertans chose Canada.” The outcome came amid heightened tensions from U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and threats to annex Canada, as well as deep resentment in Alberta toward Ottawa.

The referendum was not a direct vote on independence but would have set the province on a path toward a future separation vote. Alberta, home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil reserves, has long had a conservative political culture more aligned with the American West than much of Canada. “Alberta has essentially been treated as, you know, a colony,” said voter Dustin Degenhardt.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who called the referendum amid pressure from separatists within her governing United Conservative Party (UCP), welcomed the early results. “Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada,” she posted on social media. Smith, who opposes independence, has sought to balance separatist demands with federalist support within her party.

Separatist leaders, however, saw a silver lining in the 24% support. “We don’t have the final results. I think the numbers are going to fluctuate, but it is fair to say that at least a quarter of Albertans feel that Alberta needs to be treated better,” said Keith Wilson, a leader of the separatist movement. Jeff Rath, a separatist advocate, said he would be thrilled if 30% of Albertans had supported separation and wants Smith ousted as leader of the UCP.

Results were delayed due to late openings at more than 100 polling stations, with over 1.5 million votes counted by early Tuesday. Roughly 43% of eligible voters had already cast ballots through advance voting and mail-in ballots, a higher turnout than the 2021 referendum.

In the days leading up to the vote, provincial leaders and federal politicians campaigned for a unified Canada. Carney warned against using the vote to “send a message” to the federal government. “A vote against Canada is a dangerous bluff that will lead to years of deep uncertainty and lost opportunities for Albertans and Canadians,” he said.

Separatist leaders vowed to continue their push for independence. “We’ve already won,” said separatist leader Jeffrey Rath, arguing that the campaign had built a major movement and dominated political debate in the province.