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People in Alberta have voted overwhelmingly to remain part of Canada, projected results suggest, after residents of the western province were asked in a public ballot whether or not they wanted a referendum at a later date on becoming independent. <\/b><\/p>\n
With most votes counted, more than two-thirds of voters had chosen to remain part of the country rather than pursue the referendum, according to Elections Alberta, external<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n The outcome was hailed by Prime Minister Mark Carney as “a clear choice” on the part of Albertans.<\/p>\n At a pro-separatist watch party in Edmonton, the hum of upbeat chatter quickly quieted as those present saw the projected results. However, one separatist leader insisted his campaign was not over.<\/p>\n The vote was called earlier this year by the province’s leader, Danielle Smith, in response to a public petition. It was seen as a major test of national unity.<\/p>\n Smith herself opposed the separatist push but said the public will for a vote was undeniable. She welcomed the initial results, commenting: “Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada.”<\/p>\n In making the case for independence from Canada, many of the separatists said the oil-rich province’s economic growth had been stifled by the environmental policies of Canada’s central government in Ottawa.<\/p>\n But those who opposed a breakup – including Carney – called for Canada to present a united front in the face of external pressures, including an ongoing trade war with the United States.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n