North America | 22 October 2026
The story in brief
Alberta is a province in western Canada. A province is a region with its own government.
Most Alberta voters have rejected a proposal that could have led to Alberta leaving Canada.
Who is involved?
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Alberta voters: People deciding whether to begin the process of leaving Canada.
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Canada's Prime Minister: The leader of Canada's national government.
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Alberta's Premier: The leader of Alberta's government.
What happened?
On 19 October, Alberta held a referendum. A referendum is a public vote on an important question.
Voters were asked whether Alberta should begin a process that could eventually lead to leaving Canada.
Early results showed that about three out of every four voters rejected the proposal.
What is the background?
Some people in Alberta want more control over decisions made by Canada's national government.
Others want Alberta to leave Canada entirely.
Many people want Alberta to remain part of Canada.
Why does it matter?
The result means the proposed process towards leaving Canada will not go ahead.
Canada's Prime Minister welcomed the result.
What happens next?
Alberta's Premier says she will not hold another vote on leaving Canada while she remains Premier.
However, groups that want Alberta to leave Canada say they will continue campaigning.