ALBERTA RESIDENTS VOTE TO REMAIN IN CANADA

EDMONTON, OCTOBER 20 /SRNA/ – Voters in the oil-rich Canadian province of Alberta have overwhelmingly supported remaining part of Canada, according to referendum results.

According to unofficial results from the vote in Alberta, with more than one million ballots counted, 77 per cent supported remaining in Canada, while 23 per cent backed launching a process towards secession.

Yesterday’s referendum was not a direct vote on independence. A favourable outcome would have set Alberta on a path towards a future vote on secession from Canada, the Associated Press reported.

"Albertans have made a clear choice. They chose unity, to build Canada together and to look after one another. Above all, Albertans chose Canada," Prime Minister Mark Carney said.

He added that the result would enable Canadians to move forward together and accelerate efforts to diversify trade, develop major infrastructure projects and transform Canada into a global energy powerhouse, with Alberta at its centre.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the early results, saying they demonstrated broad support for remaining in Canada.

She called the referendum under pressure from separatist supporters within her ruling United Conservative Party.