Edmonton (With files from The Canadian Press/CTV) – At 11PM PT, – CP NewsAlert: Albertans vote to reject a referendum on separation.
Albertans have voted in a historic referendum.
Literally a deja Vu from when Quebec held their 1995 referendum over leaving the confederation, Back then, in a tight vote, they said “non”.
In 2026, Alberta , “no pardner”.
There wee 10 questions on the ballot, with the key one asking whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country.
The other nine questions focus on immigration and the Constitution.
Before most polls closed, a voice in Premier Danielle Smith’s caucus calling for a separation referendum announced he won’t run for re-election next year.
Jason Stephan says on social media that eight years as a legislature member is enough and that he did his best to speak the truth.
He says Canada continues to badly lag behind other developed countries.
Stephan represents the riding of Red Deer South for the United Conservative Party.
About 1.3 million voters cast ballots by mail or at advance polls.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.
