Carney says Alberta's choice of unity is 'a great result' for Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney says it was "a great result for Canada" when Albertans chose unity in a referendum on Monday.
Carney says he spoke to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith about the results this morning.
In the historic referendum, voters chose in overwhelming numbers to remain in the country that made Alberta a province 121 years ago.
In early returns, about three-quarters of Albertans said yes to Confederation, while one-quarter said they wanted the province to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving.
Carney says he and Smith also talked about additional support for people affected by the tragic fire at CFB Wainwright in Alberta before turning to the referendum results.
He told reporters they discussed moving forward in the spirit of co-operative federalism, including on the issue of immigration.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
— With files from Jack Farrell in Edmonton
By Jim Bronskill | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.