Voters in Alberta support Canadian unity

Voters in the Canadian province of Alberta, rich in oil, have overwhelmingly declared in favor of remaining part of Canada.

According to the first results of the non-binding referendum published this morning, the outcome gives a boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to preserve national unity, at a time when the country is facing a trade war and threats of annexation by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Based on more than a million counted votes, 77 percent of voters were in favor of remaining in Canada, while 23 percent supported initiating the process of secession, according to unofficial results from the electoral commission.

The vote was not a direct referendum on independence, but would have set oil-rich Alberta on a path toward a future vote on separation from Canada.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the initial results, stating that they are an indicator of broad support for remaining part of Canada.