Albertans reject referendum on independence from Canada

Voters in Canada's Alberta have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to begin a process towards independence, delivering a victory for the prime minister, Mark Carney, and supporters of Canadian unity.

According to unofficial results from Elections Alberta, with more than 1.5m votes counted, 76% supported remaining in Canada, while close to 24% backed beginning a process toward separation.

Carney, who grew up in Edmonton, Alberta's capital, said: "Albertans made a clear choice. They chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other. Above all, Albertans chose Canada."

The result would allow Canadians to move forward together and accelerate efforts to diversify trade, develop major infrastructure projects and make Canada a global energy powerhouse, with Alberta at its centre.

Alberta's separatists, however, saw a silver lining. "We don't have the final results. I think the numbers are going to fluctuate, but it is fair to say that at least a quarter of Albertans feel that Alberta needs to be treated better," said Keith Wilson, a leader of the separatist movement.

The Alberta premier, Danielle Smith, welcomed the early results, saying they showed widespread support for remaining in Canada. "Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united Canada," Smith posted on social media.