Alberta business groups say 'stay' side victory fosters investment confidence
Alberta business groups are cheering the decisive win for the "stay" side in Monday's referendum, but say more work lies ahead in getting the province a fair shake within Confederation.
Early returns show about 76 per cent of voters chose for Alberta to remain in Canada, while 24 per cent voted to hold a second, binding referendum on separation.
The Business Council of Alberta says it's "delighted" by the outcome, saying it allows the province to move forward with certainty.
But council president Adam Legge says the concerns that brought separation to the forefront of the public debate remain, and the provincial and federal governments must work together to pursue fairness for Alberta.
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce says the results provide much-needed certainty for businesses to move forward with hiring, planning and investing for the future.
Chamber president and CEO Deborah Yedlin says Albertans have delivered a clear message that they want to be at the national table and help shape Canada's prosperity.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
By Lauren Krugel | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
QuickQuotes: Leaders react to Alberta referendum results to remain in Canada
Albertans voted overwhelmingly to stay in Canada on Monday in a historic referendum vote.
In early returns, about three in four Albertans said yes to Confederation, while about one in four said they wanted the province to hold a second, binding referendum on leaving.
The separation question was one of 10 put to Albertans. The other nine focused on immigration and the Constitution.
Here's what some Canadian leaders are saying.
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"Thank you, Alberta! I’m very pleased to see the initial results from Elections Alberta show widespread support for remaining in Canada. Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada.
"Thank you to all Albertans who took time to vote on these critically important referendum questions."
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
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"It's a great day for Canada … I'm thrilled that Albertans have chosen unity. They've chosen to build together. They've chosen to continue to take care of each other, to move forward together with purpose, high ambition.
"I'd like to thank all of the volunteers who supported the election, of course those who campaigned on all sides, the electoral volunteers who were still counting some of the votes, above all, Albertans for turning out in numbers, participating in the democratic process."
Prime Minister Mark Carney
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"At a time when our country is under threat and when we need to come together as Canadians, this result represents a clear rejection of the politics of division.
"Well over one million Albertans came together to give us something all too rare these days: a moment of hope.
"We know things are tough in Alberta, from health care to the cost of living, to the embattled education system and so much more … But as so many Albertans have shown us, we don't fix our problems by turning on each other."
NDP Leader Avi Lewis
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"Canada is stronger with Alberta as part of it, and last night’s results show the overwhelming majority of Albertans agree with this. Many Nova Scotians have strong ties to Alberta, either having worked there or with friends and family going to their province to help build up their industry.
"Here in Nova Scotia, we’ll keep doing our part to develop our own natural resources, create opportunities and contribute to a stronger Canada."
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
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.

Bryan McCormick confirme sa séparation avec Élisabeth Rioux
Depuis quelques semaines, des rumeurs de séparation entre Élisabeth Rioux et Bryan McCormick circulent, et la nouvelle est maintenant confirmée.
Après avoir révélé qu'ils vivaient des moments difficiles en septembre dernier, les abonnés ont vu le couple se retrouver quelque temps, mais il semblerait que leur union ait maintenant pris fin officiellement.
C'est ce qu'a confirmé Bryan dans un commentaire Instagram sous sa dernière publication, partagée mardi soir, lorsqu'une fan lui a demandé « pourquoi on ne sait pas ce qui se passe ».
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On est plus ensemble c'est pas mal ca ...
Bryan McCormick
Il ajoute à ce commentaire : « le reste c'est notre vie et on a le droit de garder ça pour nous ».
Contacté par Narcity, Bryan a expliqué que c'est « pour le moment, et non une décision officielle. » Il ajoute : « je n'ai fait que mettre la lumière sur ce qui était déjà évident. »
De son côté, Élisabeth Rioux n'a pas adressé directement la question. L'entrepreneure n'a pas voulu émettre de commentaire et aimerait garder cette période de sa vie personnelle pour elle.
En juillet dernier, Élisabeth a donné naissance à leur fille, Wolfie.
Le couple était ensemble depuis décembre 2018.