Alberta is holding a vote that could end up remaking Canada. On Monday, the province's residents will decide whether to stick with the country as is, or call for a second, binding referendum on breaking away, the Guardian reports. Recent polls have shown around 70% of residents in favor of staying in Canada, with slightly over 20% backing independence and the rest undecided.
- The question, per the BBC: "Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?"
Premier Danielle Smith, pressured into holding the vote by elements of her United Conservative party, has warned independence could cost hundreds of billions. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who grew up in the province, evoked Brexit at recent rallies in Calgary and Edmonton. "This is not poker. A vote against Canada is a dangerous bluff that will lead to years of deep uncertainty and lost opportunities," he said. "Our country and your futures are too precious to play games with."
- The pro-independence camp, which gathered more than 300,000 signatures to push for a referendum, argues that the federal government's policies, especially environmental regulations, have held back the oil-rich province's economic development, the BBC reports.
Indigenous leaders, who forced a rewrite of the question in court, say Alberta lacks the constitutional power to quit. The ballot also carries nine other measures involving immigration and possible constitutional changes. Early results are expected around 10pm Eastern on Monday, with final results expected early Tuesday, Global News reports. The final days of campaigning were overshadowed by a fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, about 120 miles east of Edmonton, that killed four service members on Saturday and injured almost 40 others.
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