By David Boles, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, St. Albert Gazette
November 9, 2026
Alberta’s premier says she won’t call another referendum on separation after Albertans overwhelmingly voted to remain in Canada.
Premier Danielle Smith said the result was decisive during a provincewide address Tuesday night, Oct. 20.
“The voter turnout was historic and a powerful testimony of the passion Albertans feel for our country and our province,” Smithsaid. “I want to make it clear tonight that for as long as I am Premier, I will honour this mandate from Albertans and will not be holding another referendum on this issue.”
With more than 90 per cent of votes counted, nearly two million ballots had been tabulated on Question 10, with more than 75 per cent of counted votes supporting Alberta remaining a province of Canada.
The referendum’s other nine questions dealt with immigration and constitutional reform — issues Smith had repeatedly said she was seeking a mandate to pursue.
As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, eight of those nine questions had majority support. The only question trailing asked whether Albertashould seek the right to opt out of federal programs while retaining the province’s share of federal funding.
Smith said her government would treat the results as direction from Albertans and pursue the measures that ultimately receive majority support.
“They have given us direction to ensure temporary residents pay a portion of the cost of public services used by themselves and their families. They have spoken in favour of requiring proof of Canadian citizenship in order to vote,” Smith said.
Smith also said Alberta would continue to assert its constitutional authority and challenge Ottawa when the province believes its rights are being infringed.
But she drew a line between those disputes and another push for separation.
“Those disputes will be settled within the political and legal institutions of our nation rather than pursuing the option of separation,” Smith said.
Smith addresses Albertans who backed another referendum
Part of Smith’s address was directed specifically at Albertans who voted to begin the process toward a second, binding referendum on separation.
As of 6 p.m. on Oct. 20, just under 25 per cent of counted votes supported pursuing another referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada.
“I’ve listened to so many of your stories. Those stories have touched my heart and I want you to know I see and understand you,” Smith said.
“You need to know that your voices have been heard. Not just by our government, but also by your fellow Albertans and your fellow Canadians.”
Smith urged those voters to “believe and hope in Canada again,” arguing Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa and the country’s approach to the province’s energy industry have changed.
“Yesterday, Albertans made their choice. Today, we begin the next chapter,” Smith said.
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“Let us move forward not as a people divided by how we voted yesterday, but as neighbours, friends, Albertans and Canadians.”
