Key facts
- Alberta's referendum on separation is nonbinding.
- About 70% of Albertans want to remain in Canada.
- A simple majority in favor of separation could trigger a legal process for a binding referendum.
Alberta is holding a nonbinding referendum on Monday to ask residents if they want to remain part of Canada, marking the first time the oil-rich province has ever put the question of separation to the public. Polls have consistently shown most Albertans, about 70%, want to stay in Canada, with roughly a quarter of residents supporting an independent Alberta. The referendum includes 10 questions, with the final ballot asking if Alberta should remain a Canadian province or start the legal process for a binding referendum on separation. Premier Danielle Smith announced the vote to understand the will of Albertans on the subject. Quebec has held two referendums on separation in 1980 and 1995, voting to remain in Canada both times. Polls close at 8 p.m. on Monday, with unofficial results expected within 48 hours. Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that the best place for Alberta is in Canada.