Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed the results of Alberta’s recent referendum on separation, noting that the province’s clear rejection of the proposal represented a positive development for Canada. Carney emphasized that the federal government remains committed to working collaboratively with Alberta within the framework of cooperative federalism.
While approximately 75 percent of voters opposed holding a future referendum on Alberta’s potential separation, unofficial results indicate strong support from Albertans for eight of the other nine referendum questions. These questions involve increasing provincial control over immigration, reopening the Constitution to abolish the Senate, enhancing provincial authority over higher-court judicial appointments, and prioritizing provincial rights more broadly. These outcomes suggest ongoing tensions in federal-provincial relations that Ottawa must now address.
Since taking office, Carney’s government has taken steps to respond to Alberta’s concerns, particularly in natural resource development. This includes supporting construction of a new pipeline, efforts praised by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The two leaders discussed the referendum results and future cooperation on Tuesday.
Carney acknowledged the results on immigration and constitutional matters but cautioned against expecting immediate or sweeping constitutional changes. “Constitutional change is difficult. It’s long,” he said, noting the existence of an amending formula originally developed in Alberta. He stressed the need for cooperative solutions that suit Canadians and highlighted federal measures already taken to limit immigration levels. The federal government is legally required to table an updated immigration plan by November 1 each year.
Opposition Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, an Alberta MP, criticized Carney’s stance on immigration, accusing the Prime Minister of misleading Canadians. Poilievre supports Alberta’s call for greater control over immigration and social supports for newcomers and described Carney’s urging Albertans to vote “no” on the immigration-related questions as “inappropriate.” He also expressed concern over the separatist votes in Alberta and Quebec, where the Parti Québécois recently won enough seats to form a minority government.
Several other provincial premiers expressed approval of Alberta’s decision to remain part of Canada while largely avoiding comment on the other referendum questions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the separation vote “decisive” and reaffirmed his commitment to building a new pipeline to transport Alberta’s oil to Ontario refineries, bypassing the United States. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe acknowledged the need to address Western grievances but described Canada as “worth” the effort to maintain unity.
Quebec’s premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the separatist Parti Québécois, noted that Albertans’ support for expanding provincial powers mirrors sentiments in Quebec, criticizing the current federal system as restrictive. St-Pierre Plamondon plans a third referendum on Quebec independence by 2029.
Other provincial leaders, including British Columbia Premier David Eby, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham, welcomed Alberta’s vote against separation and stressed the importance of national unity, while acknowledging frustrations evident in the separatist support.
Among the referendum measures, Albertans endorsed reducing immigration to more “sustainable levels,” creating an “Alberta-approved immigration status,” and limiting access to healthcare and social services for individuals with temporary or non-permanent status. These positions align with calls from other provinces that have sought tighter immigration controls, though the federal government has recently reduced overall immigration targets.
Albertans also supported a proposal to give provincial governments greater authority in appointing higher-court judges, a move previously advocated by premiers Danielle Smith, Scott Moe, Doug Ford, and the former Quebec premier François Legault. Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser had rejected these demands earlier in the year, maintaining that the current appointment process includes provincial and legal community input.
The referendum results present Ottawa with a complex set of challenges as it seeks to balance provincial demands for greater autonomy with national cohesion, navigating issues that have long been contentious in Canadian politics.