CTV News is your Alberta Referendum headquarters. Live results. Expert analysis.
More than one million Albertans have already cast ballots through both advance and mail-in voting, but delays at some polling stations mean affected voters will now have until 10 p.m. MT (12 a.m. ET) to vote. Polls were originally scheduled to close at 8 p.m. MT (10 p.m. ET).
Because of the extended voting period, Elections Alberta will not begin releasing results until the last polling stations close at 10 p.m. MT. Counting of mail-in and advance ballots will begin earlier, at 5 p.m. local time.
The referendum features 10 questions. The first five focus on immigration and newcomers’ access to health care, education and citizenship. The next four deal with Alberta’s constitutional authority and the province’s role within Canada’s judicial system.
The final and most closely watched question asks voters whether Alberta should remain in Canada or move toward a second, binding referendum on separation.
Results for Question 10, the separation question, are expected to be reported between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. MT Tuesday, according to Elections Alberta.
The latest results, developments and analysis.
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Reasons for late polls ‘varied’
Elections Alberta says the late starts at more than 100 polls are par for the course.
“Delayed openings happen during every electoral event,” the agency said in an X reply. “With 1,400 locations, it is to be expected.”
The reasons included sick calls, late staff arrivals, technology issues and “incorrect material set up.”
Some Alberta polls have closed as of 8 p.m. MT, but no results can be published until two hours later.
Referendum a distraction: First Nations Chief
Chief of the Mikisew Cree First Nation Government is hopeful Alberta will remain part of Canada.
“I am feeling pretty confident that we are going to vote in favour of remaining in Canada,” Melody Lepine said in an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday.
Calling the referendum a “distraction,” she expressed hope that everyone can move past the vote and instead focus on “key challenges."
Lepine said her community is downstream on Athabasca River from major Alberta oil sands operators, who have pushed for treat-and-release regulations to filter and discharge treated wastewater into the river. She said that poses “critical health issues” for her community, citing unproven technologies, cancer risks, and historical toxic leaks.
The chief expressed hope that the issue would be addressed by the federal government.
“Separating does not make sense, not right now,” she concluded, adding there are other “pressing issues” to deal with.
Chief of the Mikisew Cree First Nation Government is hopeful Alberta will remain part of Canada.
“I am feeling pretty confident that we are going to vote in favour of remaining in Canada,” Melody Lepine said in an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday.
Calling the referendum a “distraction,” she expressed hope that everyone can move past the vote and instead focus on “key challenges."
Lepine said her community is downstream on Athabasca River from major Alberta oil sands operators, who have pushed for treat-and-release regulations to filter and discharge treated wastewater into the river. She said that poses “critical health issues” for her community, citing unproven technologies, cancer risks, and historical toxic leaks.
The chief expressed hope that the issue would be addressed by the federal government.
“Separating does not make sense, not right now,” she concluded, adding there are other “pressing issues” to deal with.
Potentially 'huge economic implications': expert
If Alberta were to move to separate from Canada, the departure would have "'huge economic implications," one economist says.
In an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday, Colin Mang said Alberta’s trade is closely connected with the rest of the country. For instance, he said Alberta sends about $100 billion worth of products to other provinces while importing roughly the same amount of items from other provinces.
“About 32 per cent of Alberta businesses sell to customers in other provinces -- that's the highest rate anywhere in the country. It's about five percentage points higher than the national average," said Mang, an assistant professor of economics at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.
What’s more, Mang said the province makes up nearly 16 per cent of the country's national income while it’s about 12 per cent of the Canadian population. The per person income in the province is about 28 per cent higher than in the rest of the country, he added.
"So Alberta is very deeply integrated with the rest of the country and if they chose to separate, that would have huge economic implications for Canada but also for Alberta specifically,” he said.
In an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday, Colin Mang said Alberta’s trade is closely connected with the rest of the country. For instance, he said Alberta sends about $100 billion worth of products to other provinces while importing roughly the same amount of items from other provinces.
“About 32 per cent of Alberta businesses sell to customers in other provinces -- that's the highest rate anywhere in the country. It's about five percentage points higher than the national average," said Mang, an assistant professor of economics at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont.
What’s more, Mang said the province makes up nearly 16 per cent of the country's national income while it’s about 12 per cent of the Canadian population. The per person income in the province is about 28 per cent higher than in the rest of the country, he added.
"So Alberta is very deeply integrated with the rest of the country and if they chose to separate, that would have huge economic implications for Canada but also for Alberta specifically,” he said.
Separation could push investors away: Amanda Lang
The prospect of a “yes” vote to hold a binding referendum on separation has made some Alberta businesses nervous, CTV News chief financial correspondent Amanda Lang said Monday.
Alberta’s economy could shrink by as much as $62 billion a year if the province splits from Canada, according to a survey conducted by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. The chamber also warned of an exodus of members to other provinces in that eventuality.
Lang noted the potential of a changing relationship between Alberta and Canada throwing businesses off, especially since “we’ve just invited them back to the oil sands, the oil sector” and it might “send the dollars the other way.”
With files from Elvy Alias
With files from Elvy Alias
Where to watch CTV News' Alberta Referendum special coverage
Starting at 10 p.m. MT (12 a.m. ET), CTV News will deliver live, special coverage of referendum night across Alberta, with real-time results, expert analysis and reporting from key locations around the province. Watch on CTV (Alberta stations), CTVNews.ca, the CTV News app, CTV News Channel and Crave or watch live on the CTV News YouTube channel.
Coverage will be led by CTV News Calgary Senior Anchor Tara Nelson, joined by CTV National News Chief Anchor Omar Sachedina and Chief Political Correspondent Vassy Kapelos, along with an expert panel featuring former Alberta premiers Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney. CTV News Edmonton Senior Anchor Geoff Hastings will provide reaction from the provincial capital, while reporters across Alberta bring viewers the latest developments as the results come in.
Meet the couple who’s voted in two referendums
In 1995, Quebecers voted by a razor-thin margin to remain in Canada. Just 50.58 per cent said “no” to separation.
Thirty-one years ago, Gary and Yveline, who asked that their last name not be used, voted for Quebec to remain part of Canada. Now living in Alberta, the husband and wife say they’re in favour of leaving.
“We didn’t think that Quebec had the ability to survive on their own,” Gary said. “Alberta can actually survive on its own financially ... I think Alberta could make a good go of it.”
Scope, scale not seen before: Elections Alberta
With voting well underway, Elections Alberta says the magnitude of the referendum is something they haven’t experienced.
“The scope and scale of this is something we have not seen before,” said spokesperson Michelle Gurney.
More than 1,400 voting locations are open across the province, some of which were delayed in opening. Gurney said she didn’t have details as to why certain polls opened late, but ensured those stations would have extended hours as a result.
Several locations during the advanced polls last week opened late due to technical issues.
Gurney said Elections Alberta printed 45 million ballots, which is a buffer consistent with past elections.
Some First Nations communities with voting stations have seen higher than anticipated attendance, prompting couriers to deliver more ballots to accommodate the demand.
She added that since 2023, three stations have been added in First Nations communities, bringing the unofficial number up to 36.
Results on question 10 are expected to start coming in after 10 p.m. MT.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Chelan Skulski
Sweet treat for voters
Kind Ice Cream is offering free kids scoops to voters at all its Edmonton locations on Monday.
“Right now, it feels like things are so divisive, but everyone likes ice cream, and so it seems like a good way to bring people together,” Kind Ice Cream’s Anna Dundas Richter said.
Electors will have to show proof that they voted in person or by mail.
The shop said on social media that proof could be a selfie outside your polling station or your special ballot request confirmation.
Every question. Every riding. Every result.
Follow Alberta's referendum vote as it unfolds with CTVNews.ca's live interactive results experience. Track real-time vote counts on all 10 questions, explore riding-by-riding results through interactive maps, and see how the province is voting as soon as polls close and reporting begins.
From local results to province-wide trends, our live results hub puts the data at your fingertips the moment it becomes available.
From local results to province-wide trends, our live results hub puts the data at your fingertips the moment it becomes available.
A tip on using the results pages:
- Filter by Question: Use the toggle at the top of the site to switch between Question 10 and the policy-specific Questions 1 through 9 .
- You can also scroll down below the map on each question page, and read all the other questions as well as link off to each question’s live results map.
Political figures share referendum message
Former Alberta political figures shared their thoughts about the referendum during an interview on CTV's Power Play with Vassy Kapelos on Monday.
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley said she hopes the referendum is just a "moment" that won’t last for too long.
“But at the moment, I think this is a really critical opportunity for Albertans to have their say on their loyalty to our country, and I'm looking forward to it,” she said.
Anne McLellan, previously the Liberal MP for Edmonton Centre and deputy prime minister of Canada, echoed Prime Minister Mark Carney's message when Kapelos asked her about Albertans' frustration with Ottawa.
"If you're talking about those people who want to send a message, I can do no better than the prime minister,” she said. “This is a dangerous, difficult, complex time for Canada and the world, and this is not a time to be playing a game of poker with the future of our province or the future of our country.”
James Rajotte, Alberta's former senior representative to the U.S., shared his message to Albertans.
"Think in terms of, if you choose to separate, you're separating from your fellow Canadians," he added.
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley said she hopes the referendum is just a "moment" that won’t last for too long.
“But at the moment, I think this is a really critical opportunity for Albertans to have their say on their loyalty to our country, and I'm looking forward to it,” she said.
Anne McLellan, previously the Liberal MP for Edmonton Centre and deputy prime minister of Canada, echoed Prime Minister Mark Carney's message when Kapelos asked her about Albertans' frustration with Ottawa.
"If you're talking about those people who want to send a message, I can do no better than the prime minister,” she said. “This is a dangerous, difficult, complex time for Canada and the world, and this is not a time to be playing a game of poker with the future of our province or the future of our country.”
James Rajotte, Alberta's former senior representative to the U.S., shared his message to Albertans.
"Think in terms of, if you choose to separate, you're separating from your fellow Canadians," he added.
Voters disappointed by delays
Some Edmonton voters said they were frustrated after their polling station opened more than an hour late.
"We asked them, they said 30 more minutes, not guaranteed, and a lot of people just left," said Jaswinder Dhillon, a voter at Constable Daniel Woodall School. "The worst thing is you can't vote anywhere else, and you have to vote."
Voters said they weren't told why the opening had been delayed by an hour and 15 minutes.
"There were mixed responses, but they didn't give us a clear response at all," said Tooba Mahmood.
"When people make time, the voting station should be open," said Derran Guinan. "I wanted to make sure I voted today, no matter what. My opinion counts."
A voting sign to be used for the 2026 Alberta Referendum in Edmonton, Alta., on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/James Maclennan
‘Looking for someone to blame’: Alberta NDP leader
The leader of Alberta’s NDP said Danielle Smith had reached an unprecedented low in her premiership.
“In Alberta, the whole economy is boom and bust. It’s always been like that,” Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi told CTV Power Play’s Vassy Kapelos on Monday.
“Every other premier of Alberta has managed to handle those up and down cycles. Even when I was mayor of Calgary, we had to do that without scapegoating immigrants for the challenges in the health care and education system,” he said.
Nenshi called the nine questions on the referendum that weren’t about separation “dog whistles.”
“Denying refugee children the right to public education would not make classrooms any smaller, it would not improve public education for anyone else,” he said.
He added that restricting public health-care access for international students and workers wouldn’t help the “crisis” in waiting rooms.
“It’s just looking for someone to blame,” he said.
“What I think Albertans are looking for is a government that gets down to work, fixing classrooms, fixing emergency rooms, without just looking for someone to blame.”
“In Alberta, the whole economy is boom and bust. It’s always been like that,” Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi told CTV Power Play’s Vassy Kapelos on Monday.
“Every other premier of Alberta has managed to handle those up and down cycles. Even when I was mayor of Calgary, we had to do that without scapegoating immigrants for the challenges in the health care and education system,” he said.
Nenshi called the nine questions on the referendum that weren’t about separation “dog whistles.”
“Denying refugee children the right to public education would not make classrooms any smaller, it would not improve public education for anyone else,” he said.
He added that restricting public health-care access for international students and workers wouldn’t help the “crisis” in waiting rooms.
“It’s just looking for someone to blame,” he said.
“What I think Albertans are looking for is a government that gets down to work, fixing classrooms, fixing emergency rooms, without just looking for someone to blame.”
Albertans could deny referendum results: analyst
A political scientist at the University of Alberta worries that both the federalist and separatist sides of the Question 10 debate could opt not to accept the results of the referendum.
“What I am going to be watching for is them saying things like the vote was rigged, or the election was stolen. That’s the kind of rhetoric that I think is really dangerous, and we’ve seen south of the border,” Feo Snagovsky told CTV News Edmonton.
Whichever way the vote goes in the end, Snagovsky said the conversation around separation is "definitely not over."
"I think the grievances and the people that have entered this movement are not just going to recede into the woodwork, Homer-Simpson style, into the bushes. It's not going to happen,” Snagovsky said.
The government of Alberta banished voting tabulators in 2024, saying it would improve faith in election outcomes.
"Canada Guy" waves a Canadian flag during an Alberta independence rally at the Alberta legislature, in Edmonton on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amanda May Erickson
More than 100 polls opened late: Elections Alberta
Elections Alberta says 106 polls opened late on Monday, though no information was given as to why.
Locations that were delayed opening will stay open later to accommodate voters, the agency said.
Elections Alberta said its results website cannot be updated until the last voting location is closed at 10 p.m. MT/12 a.m. ET.
More information and a full list of affected polls will be posted on the Elections Alberta website.
‘Playing with fire’: Former deputy premier
A former Progressive Conservative deputy Alberta premier said the referendum has already sent a clear message to Ottawa.
“This referendum comes at the worst time possible, compliments of Premier Danielle Smith,” Thomas Lukaszuk, who founded the Forever Canadian petition, told CTV News Channel on Monday.
Lukaszuk said Ottawa has heard Alberta’s grievances and is working to strengthen the relationship. Prime Minister Mark Carney has visited Alberta more during the last 18 months than the last two prime ministers did combined, he said.
“Your message has already been sent,” he said to those who wanted to use their vote to signal grievances with Ottawa.
“Be careful because you’re also sending a message to investors at a time when we need a lot of investment in this province for some of the major nation-building projects that are being announced,” he said.
“We’re playing with fire, because we saw what happens with sending messages through a ballot during Brexit.”
“This referendum comes at the worst time possible, compliments of Premier Danielle Smith,” Thomas Lukaszuk, who founded the Forever Canadian petition, told CTV News Channel on Monday.
Lukaszuk said Ottawa has heard Alberta’s grievances and is working to strengthen the relationship. Prime Minister Mark Carney has visited Alberta more during the last 18 months than the last two prime ministers did combined, he said.
“Your message has already been sent,” he said to those who wanted to use their vote to signal grievances with Ottawa.
“Be careful because you’re also sending a message to investors at a time when we need a lot of investment in this province for some of the major nation-building projects that are being announced,” he said.
“We’re playing with fire, because we saw what happens with sending messages through a ballot during Brexit.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, volunteer Fran Milburn, centre, and Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk, right, pose for a group photo in Banff, Alta., on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Albertans ‘frustrated’ over separation debate: former premier
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley, who led the Alberta NDP, says she is cautiously optimistic that Albertans will vote to remain a part of Canada.
“I think Albertans are frustrated that we’ve been dragged into this situation,” she said in an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday.
Notley added that most Albertans understand the uncertainties caused by the situation, including the ones that affect business in the province.
She also noted that the situation has caused an unnecessary division among people.
“A strong majority of Albertans are proud Canadians and want to remain in Canada,” she said.
The former premier said it is the same case in most other Canadian provinces.
Notley blamed “a dysfunctional governing party and a premier that has done everything she can to enable this question,” for Alberta’s current situation.
“I think Albertans are frustrated that we’ve been dragged into this situation,” she said in an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday.
Notley added that most Albertans understand the uncertainties caused by the situation, including the ones that affect business in the province.
She also noted that the situation has caused an unnecessary division among people.
“A strong majority of Albertans are proud Canadians and want to remain in Canada,” she said.
The former premier said it is the same case in most other Canadian provinces.
Notley blamed “a dysfunctional governing party and a premier that has done everything she can to enable this question,” for Alberta’s current situation.
Smith's referendum vote ironic: leader
The co-chair of an Alberta independence group says she was "surprised" Premier Danielle Smith had decided to "campaign against" the province separating from Canada.
"I was surprised when she took an adversarial position against the independence movement, which was a large portion of her base, and then began to kind of actively campaign against the independence movement," Tanya Clemens, co-chair of "Let Alberta Decide,” said in an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday.
"I believe that a leader of that level especially should stay neutral and wait for a mandate from the people, which is what the referendum delivers.”
Although Smith had urged Albertans to support the other nine questions on the referendum ballot, she said she voted for the province to stay in Canada last week and encouraged others to follow suit.
Clemens said there’s “irony” in Smith’s actions, noting that the movement was trying to empower Smith to "have leverage and negotiating strength" in talks with Ottawa.
"I was surprised when she took an adversarial position against the independence movement, which was a large portion of her base, and then began to kind of actively campaign against the independence movement," Tanya Clemens, co-chair of "Let Alberta Decide,” said in an interview with CTV News Channel on Monday.
"I believe that a leader of that level especially should stay neutral and wait for a mandate from the people, which is what the referendum delivers.”
Although Smith had urged Albertans to support the other nine questions on the referendum ballot, she said she voted for the province to stay in Canada last week and encouraged others to follow suit.
Clemens said there’s “irony” in Smith’s actions, noting that the movement was trying to empower Smith to "have leverage and negotiating strength" in talks with Ottawa.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks during a news conference in Calgary on May 22, 2026. Jeff McIntosh / The Canadian Press
Separatists and federalists united against Smith
A former Progressive Conservative Alberta MLA said that Premier Danielle Smith has “painted herself into a corner.”
Speaking to CTV News Channel on Monday, Brent Rathgeber, a federalist who co-manages the Forever Canadian petition, said Smith’s referendum has united separatists and federalists against her.
“I don’t think there’s going to be a clear decisive winner or loser,” he said. “I know the premier very much wants a ‘Yes’ mandate with respect to those nine questions, I think she’ll be disappointed.”
He called Smith “too clever by half.”
“She thought that she could give the separatists this referendum, allow them a safety valve, blow off some steam, it would lose and that she would maintain their confidence, but it's backfired on her.”
Smith has managed to do something Rathgeber thought was “unthinkable” a year ago, he explained.
“She’s united separatists and federalists, like myself, in unity with respect to wanting somebody different in the premier’s chair.”
Speaking to CTV News Channel on Monday, Brent Rathgeber, a federalist who co-manages the Forever Canadian petition, said Smith’s referendum has united separatists and federalists against her.
“I don’t think there’s going to be a clear decisive winner or loser,” he said. “I know the premier very much wants a ‘Yes’ mandate with respect to those nine questions, I think she’ll be disappointed.”
He called Smith “too clever by half.”
“She thought that she could give the separatists this referendum, allow them a safety valve, blow off some steam, it would lose and that she would maintain their confidence, but it's backfired on her.”
Smith has managed to do something Rathgeber thought was “unthinkable” a year ago, he explained.
“She’s united separatists and federalists, like myself, in unity with respect to wanting somebody different in the premier’s chair.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks at the Canada Strong and Free conference in Calgary, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Next steps for the separatist movement?
With the separatist movement gaining momentum over the past couple of months, Jason Kenney, a former Alberta premier and federal Conservative cabinet minister, shared his prediction for what could happen if Albertans choose not to proceed with a binding referendum.
Kenney said the various separatist organizations have never “really agreed on a particular approach, strategy or message” and could therefore take different paths after the decision.
“I am concerned that if there is such a thing as moderate separatists, the folks who are more plugged into political reality, (they) will say, ‘OK, we had our shot, this is over, let's move on, let's fight for a stronger Alberta and Canada,’” he told CTV News Channel on Monday.
However, Kenney says “hardcore” separatists, including groups like the Alberta Prosperity Project, will likely not “let down.”
He says the Alberta Prosperity Project will continue the debate at the United Conservative Party convention in November, where it has a motion to turn the party into an officially separatist party.
Kenney said the various separatist organizations have never “really agreed on a particular approach, strategy or message” and could therefore take different paths after the decision.
“I am concerned that if there is such a thing as moderate separatists, the folks who are more plugged into political reality, (they) will say, ‘OK, we had our shot, this is over, let's move on, let's fight for a stronger Alberta and Canada,’” he told CTV News Channel on Monday.
However, Kenney says “hardcore” separatists, including groups like the Alberta Prosperity Project, will likely not “let down.”
He says the Alberta Prosperity Project will continue the debate at the United Conservative Party convention in November, where it has a motion to turn the party into an officially separatist party.
A demonstrator holds a Choose Alberta sign during an Alberta independence rally in Taber, Alta., on Sunday, June 28, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Matthew Bruce
Calgarians stress importance of voting
Calgarians weighed in on the importance of voting as they left polls Monday.
"This is a turning point in Canada's history. It's a major decision to think about a divorce or a reconciliation, but something has to happen. Something has to change," said one voter.
One voter brought her kids along to learn more about the voting process to help teach them about democracy.
"It's very important for them to see that. We have a right here in our country to vote, and it's very important to exercise that," she said. "I'm a proud Albertans and I'm proud to vote today."
Another voter said it was important for her as an Albertan and Canadian to vote for unity, though she questioned the need for a referendum right now.
"I think some of the questions were interesting, and certainly it's worth getting a view for some Albertans to be able to say what they think and feel," she added.
"[But] they shouldn't have called an extra election and paid more money for us to get these questions answered. If you want those questions answered, it should have been done at the same time that perhaps we were voting for a new premier."
"[But] they shouldn't have called an extra election and paid more money for us to get these questions answered. If you want those questions answered, it should have been done at the same time that perhaps we were voting for a new premier."
Some mail-in voters hitting polls
The line outside a St. Albert polling station included at least one voter who had tried to vote by mail.
Al Carlson said he put his special ballot package in the mail back to Elections Alberta weeks ago, but it was never marked as received.
"I've been trying online all week long, checking to make sure that the thing was received, but nothing showed up," Carlson said.
"I'm here to make sure that my ballot gets cast."
Al Carlson said he put his special ballot package in the mail back to Elections Alberta weeks ago, but it was never marked as received.
"I've been trying online all week long, checking to make sure that the thing was received, but nothing showed up," Carlson said.
"I'm here to make sure that my ballot gets cast."
What will the vote look like?
A former New Democratic Party leader said he believes Albertans will vote against breaking up Canada.
Albertans are “looking at what’s actually on the table,” said Tom Mulcair, CTV News' political commentator.
They see the referendum as a debate about breaking up Canada, rather than a political “message,” he added.
Mulcair said that the message from senior political leaders who want a “no” vote “went through.”
“The more votes expressed against this very bad idea, the better it is,” he told CTV News Channel on Monday.
However, he warned against dismissing pro-separatists, based on past experience.
“Be careful with language. Show respect,” he said. “It has to do with grievances of the past.”
Albertans are “looking at what’s actually on the table,” said Tom Mulcair, CTV News' political commentator.
They see the referendum as a debate about breaking up Canada, rather than a political “message,” he added.
Mulcair said that the message from senior political leaders who want a “no” vote “went through.”
“The more votes expressed against this very bad idea, the better it is,” he told CTV News Channel on Monday.
However, he warned against dismissing pro-separatists, based on past experience.
“Be careful with language. Show respect,” he said. “It has to do with grievances of the past.”
Carney addresses Parliament following CFB Wainwright tragedy
On referendum day, Prime Minister Mark Carney was back in Ottawa to address the House of Commons following the tragedy at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, saying it “touches every corner of our nation.”
A fire left four Canadian Armed Forces members dead and dozens more wounded over the weekend.
Carney made the remarks Monday morning after MPs observed a moment of silence.
“These were sons, brothers, partners, friends, young men with bright futures who chose to serve our country and who died in that cause,” Carney said. “We will honour them always.”
“When people see the maple leaf on the sleeve, they see hope and they get help,” he also said. “The soldiers who were training at Wainwright on Saturday belong to that proud tradition.”
Carney said 50 investigators are on the ground working alongside the RCMP to determine the cause of the fire. He said the ministers of national defence and emergency management are also in Alberta to co-ordinate with their provincial counterparts.
“I would like to thank (Alberta) Premier (Danielle) Smith and the government of Alberta for their seamless partnership,” Carney said. “Alberta's health workers are carrying an enormous load with extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and skill.”
The House has adjourned for the rest of the day to mark the tragedy.
Spencer Van Dyk, CTVNews.ca Journalist
Separating not an ‘effective’ strategy: economist
An economist at the University of Calgary says the province separating from Canada is not a “very effective economic development strategy.”
Trevor Tombe says the economic and fiscal frustrations of Albertans have fuelled the desire for separation, however, separating is likely to create more obstacles for the province.
“Alberta leaving Confederation is not something that would actually improve Alberta's economy or finances,” Tombe told CTV News Channel on Monday.
While the province may appear to gain money by keeping taxes that currently go to Ottawa, Tombe says the additional costs of operating as an independent country could wipe out those savings.
Tombe cited the conundrum of whether Alberta will use its own currency or adopt the Canadian dollar, as well as how trade to the U.S. and the rest of Canada will affect Alberta's economy.
“Setting up a new national border between Alberta and what are now other provinces of Canada would add friction and costs to a lot of those trade transactions,” Tombe said.
Trevor Tombe says the economic and fiscal frustrations of Albertans have fuelled the desire for separation, however, separating is likely to create more obstacles for the province.
“Alberta leaving Confederation is not something that would actually improve Alberta's economy or finances,” Tombe told CTV News Channel on Monday.
While the province may appear to gain money by keeping taxes that currently go to Ottawa, Tombe says the additional costs of operating as an independent country could wipe out those savings.
Tombe cited the conundrum of whether Alberta will use its own currency or adopt the Canadian dollar, as well as how trade to the U.S. and the rest of Canada will affect Alberta's economy.
“Setting up a new national border between Alberta and what are now other provinces of Canada would add friction and costs to a lot of those trade transactions,” Tombe said.
Trainee pipe fitters learn their trade at a union facility in Calgary, Friday, May 15, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Polls open, some with queues
More than 1,400 polling stations in Alberta opened for voting at 9 a.m.
Dozens of people were in line to vote at St. Albert United Church northwest of Edmonton at 8:45 a.m. Those queued up told CTV News Edmonton their mail-in ballot was not received in time, they are not computer savvy, or that they tried to vote at advance polls but the lines were too long.
Dozens of people were in line to vote at St. Albert United Church northwest of Edmonton at 8:45 a.m. Those queued up told CTV News Edmonton their mail-in ballot was not received in time, they are not computer savvy, or that they tried to vote at advance polls but the lines were too long.
People were queued to vote in Alberta's referendum at the St. Albert United Church before the polling station opened the morning of Oct. 19, 2026. . (Nicole Lampa / CTV News Edmonton)
Final federal campaign pushes
Carney and Poilievre wrapped pro-Canada tours in Alberta days before Monday’s referendum.
Carney leveraged his Edmonton roots during his speech in the capital city Friday evening.
“A vote against Canada is a dangerous bluff that will lead to years of deep uncertainty and lost opportunities for Albertans and Canadians,” he told a crowd of thousands. “Our country and your futures are too precious to play games with.”
Poilievre, similarly, told Albertans they were “not quitters.”
“To those people who are thinking about taking out their frustration on the current government by voting for separation in the referendum, I say this: Canada is more than a government. It is a people, a flag, a land, a history and a promise.”
Surface-level tensions between Carney and Smith still lay in the other nine questions – to which Smith wants a mandate of “yes” from Albertans where the prime minister urged a “no.”
How did Alberta get here?
Discontent with Ottawa has ebbed and flowed, reignited once again in 2019 under United Conservative Party Premier Jason Kenney.
He held a referendum in 2021 wherein oil-rich Albertans called to end equalization payments – federal tax revenues distributed through the provinces and territories. Nothing concrete came of it.
Despite Kenney’s succession by Danielle Smith, who has advertised a more tempered take on Ottawa, separation was thrown into the limelight once again when the Alberta Prosperity Project began its “Stay Free Alberta” petition earlier this year.
That petition gathered enough signatures to call a referendum but was shot down in court for being unconstitutional.
A counter-petition by anti-separation group Forever Canadian around the same time was successful – after much debate – hence the double-sided Question 10 that Albertans vote on today.
Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Sending a 'message' to Ottawa?
Using the separation question to send a “message” to Ottawa about Albertans’ frustrations is “very dangerous,” an Alberta anti-separatist said.
If that’s what some Albertans are trying to do, Thomas Lukaszuk, founder of pro-unity group Forever Canadian, told CTV’s Your Morning on Monday that “it has already been heard.”
“But keep in mind that you’re also sending that very same message to investors, to the capital that Alberta needs so badly to build the pipelines and refineries that we need,” he said.
“The message is don’t invest in Alberta because we are unstable at this point.”
If that’s what some Albertans are trying to do, Thomas Lukaszuk, founder of pro-unity group Forever Canadian, told CTV’s Your Morning on Monday that “it has already been heard.”
“But keep in mind that you’re also sending that very same message to investors, to the capital that Alberta needs so badly to build the pipelines and refineries that we need,” he said.
“The message is don’t invest in Alberta because we are unstable at this point.”
Forever Canada leader Thomas Lukaszuk gives a speech during a pro-Canada rally in Edmonton, on Sunday, Oct, 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timon Johnson
Referendum is ‘utter nonsense’: First Nations chief
By adding a separation question to the referendum, the Alberta premier has shown First Nations that “she completely disregards the law,” one chief says.
“To have a referendum is utter nonsense,” Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine told CTV’s Your Morning on Monday.
He said he hasn’t seen any outreach from anyone on what the aftermath could look like.
“It’s been talk. It’s been rhetoric,” he said. “I haven’t seen anything tangible that would benefit anyone.”
Sunshine suggested focusing a referendum on issues with "serious impacts," such as health care, education and data centres.
“Yet, we get a lot of questions on immigrants,” he said.
“... It’s just a smokescreen.”
“To have a referendum is utter nonsense,” Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine told CTV’s Your Morning on Monday.
He said he hasn’t seen any outreach from anyone on what the aftermath could look like.
“It’s been talk. It’s been rhetoric,” he said. “I haven’t seen anything tangible that would benefit anyone.”
Sunshine suggested focusing a referendum on issues with "serious impacts," such as health care, education and data centres.
“Yet, we get a lot of questions on immigrants,” he said.
“... It’s just a smokescreen.”
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine speaks outside the Edmonton law courts in Edmonton, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jack Farrell
Effect of Carney’s election win?
Prime Minister Mark Carney's win in last year's federal election appears to have been the “fundamental trigger” behind the separation movement’s resurgence, a political expert in Alberta says.
“There’s a partisan element to it,” said Duane Bratt, political science professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, told CTV’s Your Morning on Monday.
“Separatism tends to be stronger when the Liberals are in office” in Ottawa, he said.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has also acted more sympathetically towards the movement than her predecessors, he added.
“Other premiers would fight Ottawa ... but no one would have made the legal changes necessary for the separatist movement like Danielle Smith has.”
“There’s a partisan element to it,” said Duane Bratt, political science professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, told CTV’s Your Morning on Monday.
“Separatism tends to be stronger when the Liberals are in office” in Ottawa, he said.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has also acted more sympathetically towards the movement than her predecessors, he added.
“Other premiers would fight Ottawa ... but no one would have made the legal changes necessary for the separatist movement like Danielle Smith has.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney attends a national unity rally in Red Deer, and signs an autograph on Friday Oct. 16, 2026.THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Ulan
The 10 questions
Smith told the province that “out-of-control” immigration levels and tensions between Alberta and Ottawa meant her government needed a mandate from the people on how best to proceed.
The first five questions ask about immigrants to Alberta and their access to health care, education and citizenship.
The next four ask about Alberta’s constitutional and judicial power in the country.
The final question, added months later, asks if the province should stay in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on separating.
The first nine questions were subject to debate on the legality, morality and feasibility of changes Smith’s government was proposing.
When you hear “yes to the rest” or “no to the nine,” those are the questions the slogans are referring to.
Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
More than 1.3M votes counted: Elections Alberta
More than a third of Alberta voters have cast their ballots through the mail or at advance polls.
As of Sunday afternoon, 837,791 people voted at advanced polls and 519,082 sent their vote by mail, for a total of 1,356,873 votes, Elections Alberta said.
There are 3,148,343 eligible voters.
In the 2023 provincial election, only 27.5 per cent of eligible voters participated in advanced polls or mail-in voting. For the referendum, 43.1 per cent of eligible voters did advanced voting or voted by special ballot.
Alberta’s Election Day is here
It’s Election Day in Alberta for a historic referendum that asks a number of questions, including whether the province should stay in Canada.
All voting locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. MT.
Albertans must go to the assigned location on their “where to vote” card. Elections Alberta will also have all poll stations organized by address on its website.
Monday is the culmination of five days of advance voting the week prior and a provincially record-breaking number of mailed-in ballots.
By law, votes for all 10 ballots must be counted by hand within 48 hours. Officials have said to expect early results released after 8 p.m. MT, with a final count for Question 10 announced in the early hours of Tuesday morning.