QuickQuotes: Leaders react after Albertans vote to remain in Canada

OTTAWA — Albertans voted overwhelmingly to stay in Canada in Monday’s 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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“Albertans have decisively voted for a stronger Alberta within a united Canada.

“The promise of Canada is worth fighting for.

“Now our focus must be on results in people’s lives: affordable food and homes, safe streets, strong borders, and less immigration.

“And may God keep our land glorious and free.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre

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“The First Nations of Alberta have made their votes. Our people stood strong and reminded everyone that treaties matter. We are proud of our nations, our leadership, and everyone who stood up for all treaty people.”

Treaty 8 First Nations Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi

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“Thank you! We saved Canada. Now, we save Alberta.”

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi

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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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“Businesses, workers and communities in Alberta understand that connections to the rest of Canada are a source of strength. At a historic time of unstable market access for them, they know there’s no advantage in cutting reliable customers and neighbours off.

“These results amplify the fact that Albertans remain overwhelmingly united that we’re better off with Canada, especially when we partner and help set a win-win economic agenda with the rest of the federation. That’s who Alberta is and will always be.”

Jason Kenney, former Alberta premier and co-chair of Stronger Together

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“Small businesses in particular have been battered by years of economic barriers. This period of added uncertainty has not been welcome for them, or those thinking of starting a business. Business knows that communities depend on them, and they conversely depend on others across Canada to help stock their shelves, build new things or innovate their service.

“Going it alone isn’t a recipe for a better, stronger economy. I know many Alberta businesses and possible investors are counting on this question being settled once and for all. As we move forward, let’s commit to delivering that finality for them.”

Rachel Notley, former Alberta premier and co-chair of Stronger Together

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“I’m glad to see Albertans vote overwhelmingly in favour of remaining in Canada.

“There is still work to be done on improving how Western Canada is treated by Ottawa. But Canada is worth that effort.

“Saskatchewan will continue to work with Alberta to make our provinces stronger within a united Canada.”

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe

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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

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“Newfoundland and Labrador welcomes the decision of Albertans to remain within a strong and united Canada. While Canadians may hold differing views on these issues, the result affirms the value of working together to address challenges and advance shared interests. Canada’s strength comes from the ability of provinces and territories to work together in pursuit of common goals.


“A strong federation depends on constructive dialogue, respect for provincial jurisdiction and a commitment to collaboration. These principles are essential to building a more prosperous, competitive and resilient country.”

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Tony Wakeham

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“A strong Canada means that we need to make sure every part of our federation knows their essential value and that they feel valued and understood by the whole country. Alberta is central to economic security and opportunity in Canada and we must now turn our attention squarely to the needed work to collaboratively build a stronger, resilient, united economy from coast to coast to coast.

“Political disagreements between governments are inevitable, but our democracy is strong enough to resolve our differences. We can embrace unity without unanimity. Let’s move forward, stronger together.”

Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

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“The Business Council of Alberta is delighted with the decision by Albertans to remain a province of Canada.

“It is now time to move forward and get Alberta focused on generating prosperity and opportunity through economic expansion, job creation, innovation and education. Enough time has been lost to this referendum. There’s much work to do. Let’s get going.”

Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta

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“Alberta’s economic success has been built on more than a century of trade relationships, shared infrastructure and strong connections with partners across Canada. At a time of growing global competition and trade uncertainty, Albertans have delivered a clear mandate: we want to be at the table, helping shape Canada’s prosperity and ensuring our province’s contributions and potential are fully recognized.

“Now is the time to build on that mandate by strengthening relationships across the country, removing internal trade barriers, expanding market access and ensuring businesses have access to the skilled workers they need. Alberta’s energy resources, entrepreneurial spirit and capacity to deliver major projects position us to play a leading role in advancing Canada’s nation-building agenda and getting things built.

“We recognize that the concerns that contributed to this debate have not disappeared, but we now have an opportunity to address them constructively, with a shared focus on delivering results.”

Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce

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“We’re stronger together as a country.

“I thank the people of Alberta for standing strong for Canada, and we’ll strong with Alberta. We won’t agree on everything, but we will work together to make this country strong.”

British Columbia Premier David Eby

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“We can now move on to the meat and potatoes of what the vast majority of us are interested in, rather than being beholden to a very small niche within the UCP Party membership.”

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas

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“We’re incredibly pleased by the result, but I don’t want anyone to think that we’re going back to business as usual in Ottawa.

“I think people realize that Alberta has these legitimate grievances and even a lot of people that voted to stay in Canada recognize that Alberta has these grievances, and we want to see action in Ottawa to address those.”

Conservative MP Dane Lloyd

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.

The Canadian Press