Albertans vote to remain in Canada, business leaders welcome stability

Albertans have voted decisively to remain in Canada, a result business leaders say provides greater economic stability and removes a major source of uncertainty.

Elections Alberta released results late Monday night showing about 76 percent of voters chose to stay in Canada over a proposal for the provincial government to begin the legal process of holding a future binding referendum on separation.

"Businesses, workers and communities can feel more confident with this result. As we digest the results of this process, we are reminded that we can never take national unity for granted. It is cultivated day by day," said Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in a statement.

READ MORE: Carney urges Albertans to keep Canada united ahead of separation vote

READ MORE: Carney says Canada 'worth fighting for' as Alberta separation vote nears

The Business Council of Alberta said it is "delighted" with the results, which president Adam Legge said provide "an important foundation" for the province's economy, as well as families and workers to move forward with more certainty.

"While today's result settles the question of separation, the concerns that brought it to the forefront remain," said Legge. "We urge the governments of Canada and Alberta to continue working together to pursue fairness for Alberta."

Keyli Loeppky, senior director of Alberta and interprovincial affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said the referendum vote result should provide "greater certainty for small businesses at a time when they are already facing significant economic challenges."

"Small business owners value stability, predictability, and access to customers, suppliers, and workers across Canada," said Loeppky. "This result removes a major source of uncertainty and allows businesses to focus on growing their operations rather than handling questions about Alberta's future constitutional status."

The result mirrors more than half a year of polling that has consistently shown about 70 percent of Albertans want to remain in Canada.

An Ipsos poll in January found about three in 10 residents supported independence, but a deeper dive revealed only half of those interested in separatism were truly committed to following through when faced with the costs and consequences.

The referendum came as Canada faces an ongoing trade war, with U.S. tariffs especially hammering the economy and job market, and as the Iran war and Russia's war with Ukraine lead to rising oil and gas prices and threaten to continue accelerating inflation.

The future of the newly announced Pacific Coast Pipeline, a project of national interest expected to increase Alberta oil exports to Asian markets by one million barrels per day, had been a point of discussion, with some separatist leaders suggesting leaving Canada would mean taking the pipeline and its revenue.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said it remains focused on engaging policymakers to ensure the right fiscal and regulatory conditions are in place to attract capital, advance major projects and improve competitiveness, said president and CEO Lisa Baiton.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith rallied for unity ahead of the vote, though they were split on nine other ballot questions related to immigration and constitutional reform. Nosy Mag reported in October that the two leaders shared a stage in Red Deer urging a vote to stay in Canada.

Smith herself voted to stay in Canada at an advance poll.

With files from Global News