Alberta Rejects Move Towards Independence

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Voters in Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta have rejected a proposal to begin a process toward independence. More than 1 million votes were counted early Tuesday. Unofficial results from Elections Alberta showed that about 76% supported remaining in Canada while close to 24% backed beginning a process that could lead to separation. The result delivers a victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney and supporters of Canadian unity. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the early results. Smith said that they showed widespread support for remaining in Canada. The vote wasn’t a direct referendum on independence but would have set Alberta on a path toward a future vote on separation from Canada.