The oil-rich Canadian province of Alberta is holding a vote today, Monday, to determine whether it will continue to organize a binding referendum on its independence from Canada, a move sparking internal debate amid warnings of potential economic and political repercussions, coinciding with escalating trade tensions between Ottawa and Washington.
Agence France-Presse quoted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney warning that pursuing a path of secession would lead to significant uncertainty, citing the experience of Brexit, which he said caused ambiguity regarding the future of economic relations, affected investments and economic performance. Carney urged residents of the province to participate in the vote, emphasizing that turnout would influence the outcome.
According to the agency, opinion polls indicate that less than a quarter of participants support Alberta's independence, with attention focused on turnout levels and the separatist movement's ability to mobilize supporters. The ballot includes ten questions, the most prominent of which asks whether the province should remain within Canada or take necessary legal steps to organize a decisive independence referendum. Votes on this question will be counted first, with results expected in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Alberta is one of Canada's leading oil-producing provinces, holding the world's fourth-largest proven oil reserves. The surge in separatist momentum has been driven by anger over how Ottawa manages this sector, particularly environmental restrictions imposed by previous governments, which critics argue limit production and harm the province's economic interests.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith supports the province remaining within Canada but called for the vote to settle the debate on secession, pledging to proceed with a binding referendum if a majority supports this option.
This comes amid trade tensions with the United States, where Carney warned of the risks of external interference in Canadian affairs, following statements by US officials and figures expressing support for the idea of the province's secession.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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