In a televised address Tuesday evening, Smith said about 75 per cent of reported votes supported remaining in Canada, while roughly 25 per cent backed beginning the legal process toward a future separation referendum.
Smith says her government will continue pushing for greater provincial autonomy and challenging federal policies through legal and political channels, rather than pursuing separation.
She also says Alberta plans to move ahead with reforms tied to the referendum’s other questions, including immigration, eligibility for provincially funded programs and voting requirements. Those questions were non-binding and do not automatically change provincial laws.
Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi welcomed the result favouring Canada but criticized the government’s handling and cost of the referendum, arguing Albertans are looking for action on affordability, health care, education and jobs.
Elections Alberta is scheduled to release the official referendum results on Thursday, October 29.
