Local results favour separation vote

Rimbey–Rocky–Sundre favours separation referendum
but province votes to stay

By Glen Mazza
Editor

Voters in the Rimbey–Rocky Mountain House–Sundre riding narrowly supported taking the next step toward a referendum on Alberta separation, even as voters across the province overwhelmingly chose to remain in Canada.

According to unofficial results for this riding, 12,775 voters, or 51.1 per cent, selected the option to begin the legal process to hold a binding referendum on separation. Another 12,239 voters, or 48.9 per cent, chose the option stating Alberta should remain a province in Canada. The difference was just 448 votes out of 24,688 counted.

The results remain unofficial, with Elections Alberta scheduled to release official results on Oct. 29 which are not binding.

The local result stood in sharp contrast to the provincial trend. As of Tuesday afternoon, about 75.5 per cent of votes counted across Alberta favoured remaining a province of Canada, while about 24.5 per cent supported beginning the legal process for a binding referendum on separation.

Rimbey–Rocky Mountain House–Sundre was one of only two electoral divisions where the separation referendum option was leading.

The other was Central Peace–Notley, where support for proceeding toward a binding referendum was slightly higher at approximately 51 per cent. There, 5,275 voters supported proceeding toward a referendum, compared with 5,068 who favoured remaining in Canada.

The results also reflected a rural-urban divide, with voters in Alberta’s major cities rejecting the separation referendum option by substantial margins.

Former Clearwater County reeve Tim Hoven, who supports Alberta separation, said the local results demonstrated a desire for change.

“A majority of the voters in Rimbey-Rocky-Sundre have spoken: they are unhappy with the status quo, and they want change,” Hoven said in an email to The Mountaineer.

“They want better options for their children and grandchildren. The people here have always been leaders for the province. It is exciting to see them not listen to a campaign based on fear, but be open to a future of hope and prosperity.”

Premier Danielle Smith, speaking Tuesday following the referendum, said the province-wide result provided a clear direction for her government.

“Alberta will remain a province of Canada. Albertans will continue to be Canadians,” Smith said.

“And our government will work cooperatively with Albertans, the federal government, and our fellow provinces to secure a prosperous future for our province and our country.”

Smith also pledged there would not be another separation referendum while she remains premier.

“It is time to move forward together as a strong and free Alberta within a united Canada,” she said.

However, Smith acknowledged the frustrations of Albertans who supported separation, saying many had legitimate grievances involving federal policies and economic opportunities.

“You need to know that your voices have been heard, not just by our government, but also by your fellow Albertans and your fellow Canadians.”

Smith emphasized that her government would continue pressing for greater provincial autonomy and challenging federal policies it considers harmful to Alberta.

“But those disputes will be settled within the political and legal institutions of our nation rather than pursuing the option of separation,” she said.

The premier also urged Albertans to put aside their differences following the vote and work toward a common future.

“Let us move forward not as a people divided by how we voted yesterday, but as neighbours, friends, Albertans, and Canadians,” she said.

Other referendum questions

Unofficial results were also available Tuesday for the other nine referendum questions involving immigration, provincial services and constitutional changes.

As of 3:59 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 4,997 of 5,583 voting areas had reported at least one result.

On immigration control, 55.2 per cent voted in favour of giving Alberta increased control over immigration, compared with 44.8 per cent opposed.

On restricting eligibility for provincial programs based on citizenship or immigration status, 56.6 per cent voted yes and 43.4 per cent voted no.

A proposed 12-month residency requirement for provincially funded social supports received 58.3 per cent support, while 41.7 per cent opposed it.

Charging non-permanent residents fees or premiums to use Alberta’s health-care and education systems received 57.3 per cent support, compared with 42.7 per cent opposed.

The proposal to require proof of Canadian citizenship to vote in provincial elections received 63.4 per cent support, while 36.6 per cent voted against it.

On allowing provinces rather than Ottawa to select King’s Bench and Appeal Court justices, 51.2 per cent voted yes and 48.8 per cent voted no.

A proposal to seek a constitutional amendment abolishing the Senate received 53.3 per cent support, compared with 46.7 per cent opposed.

Voters narrowly rejected allowing provinces to opt out of federal programs while retaining associated federal funding, with 48.6 per cent voting yes and 51.4 per cent voting no.

On giving provincial laws priority over conflicting federal laws in areas of provincial or shared jurisdiction, 50.6 per cent voted yes and 49.4 per cent voted no.

Smith said the government would examine the final results and pursue reforms supported by Albertans through the referendum.

The official results are expected Oct. 29.