🇺🇸 Trending in USA · 21 October 2026
Alberta's referendum: why a Canadian province voted on leaving Canada
On Monday, 19 October 2026, the oil-rich Canadian province of Alberta held its first-ever referendum on separation. Early unofficial results showed about three-quarters of voters chose to stay in Canada.
What is Alberta?
Alberta is a province in western Canada with about 5.1 million people. Its capital is Edmonton. It became a province on 1 September 1905, together with Saskatchewan, when the two were carved out of the Northwest Territories, making them Canada's 8th and 9th provinces. More than 95% of Canada's proven oil reserves are in Alberta's oil sands.
Quick quiz
1. What is the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta?
2. Which other province joined the Canadian Confederation together with Alberta in 1905?
3. Which Canadian law, passed in 2000, says a secession referendum must have a clear question and a clear majority?
Sources
- Alberta votes by large majority to remain part of Canada in boost for Carney (CNBC)
- Alberta rejects independence referendum in favor of Canada unity (NPR)
- What does Alberta's referendum on separation from Canada mean? (Dawn)
- Alberta and Confederation (The Canadian Encyclopedia)
- Alberta's Answer (Fraser Annis)
