IQN (NewsDesk): Voters in the Canadian province of Alberta will go to the polls on Monday in a referendum that asks, for the first time in the oil rich province’s history, whether they want to remain in Canada or begin the legal process towards separation.
The vote is nonbinding. The final question on the ballot asks whether Alberta should stay a Canadian province or start the legal process required to hold a binding referendum on separation. A simple majority in favour could trigger that process. The question was added by Premier Danielle Smith after a court quashed a separatist petition in May, ruling her government had not properly consulted First Nations. That petition had gathered more than 300,000 signatures.
Polls consistently show about 70 percent of Albertans want to stay in Canada, with roughly a quarter backing independence. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was largely raised in Alberta, has campaigned for the province to remain, saying Canada cannot succeed if it is divided. First Nations groups have objected, noting their treaties with Canada predate Alberta’s entry into Confederation. Smith has said she voted to remain during advance polling.
Advance voting was strong, with more than 174,000 ballots cast on the first day alone. Unofficial results are expected within 48 hours of voting ending.
