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Albertans vote on whether to open a path toward independence in a referendum testing Canadian unity

By ChordNews · First written (new coverage , updated )

‘This is not poker’: Alberta goes to polls in referendum that has exposed divisions, not least among separatists
Image: theguardian.com
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Summary

Albertans were voting on Monday, October 19, in a referendum asking whether the province should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding independence referendum, according to The Guardian. The Straits Times described the vote as nonbinding. Coverage says the referendum has exposed deep divisions, including within the separatist movement itself, and separatists were widely expected to lose, though the debate is likely to continue. RFI reported that polls suggest separatists face an uphill battle. Reporters framed the vote as a test of national unity for Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is also confronting a trade war with the US.

This continues an earlier story: Alberta vote will decide whether province pursues a separation referendum

Later: Alberta voters reject separation from Canada in referendum, early results show · Alberta holds a referendum on Canadian unity or separation

Timeline

  1. The Guardian

    Source ↗

    The Guardian reports that voters were asked whether Alberta should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding independence referendum, and that the vote has exposed deep divisions, including within the separatist movement.

  2. ABC News

    Source ↗

    ABC News reports that Albertans were deciding whether to begin a process that could lead to independence, a vote testing national unity as Carney fights to keep Canada united.

  3. NPR

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    NPR reports that voters in the oil-rich province were deciding whether to take the first step toward a future referendum on independence.

  4. The Straits Times

    Source ↗

    The Straits Times reports that Alberta is holding a nonbinding referendum on whether the province should secede from Canada, a cause widely expected to be defeated but one that will not be settled by that result.

  5. RFI

    Source ↗

    RFI reports that polls suggest separatists face an uphill battle in the vote, which has become a test of national unity as Prime Minister Mark Carney confronts a trade war with the US.

  6. PBS NewsHour

    Source ↗

    PBS NewsHour reports that Carney is fighting to keep Canada united as Albertans consider whether to begin a process that could lead to independence.

  7. NPR

    Source ↗

    NPR reports that Alberta voters are deciding whether to take a step toward separating from Canada, as Carney warns of threats to Canadian unity.

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