Alberta's official count: Remain wins 74.95 per cent — all five immigration questions pass, all four constitutional questions fail
Politics · The Canadian Chronicle
Published Thursday, October 29, 2026 · Last updated Friday, October 30, 2026 · 3 min read
Elections Alberta released the official referendum results on Thursday, October 29. On Question 10 — whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada or begin the legal process toward a binding separation referendum — Remain won with 1,556,316 votes (74.95 per cent) against 520,233 votes (25.05 per cent) for proceeding. Turnout was 70.4 per cent, with 3,148,205 eligible electors.
The immigration questions
All five non-constitutional questions passed, each narrowly. Proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections drew the strongest support, at 58.06 per cent (1,200,838 to 867,525). Greater provincial control of immigration passed at 54.86 per cent (1,127,729 to 927,783). A 12-month residency requirement before non-permanent residents can access social supports passed at 53.12 per cent (1,096,546 to 967,754). Restricting provincially funded programs to citizens, permanent residents and approved status holders passed at 52.46 per cent (1,078,681 to 977,384). A fee or premium for non-permanent residents for health care and education passed at 51.78 per cent (1,067,383 to 994,065).
The constitutional questions
All four constitutional questions were rejected. Voters said no to Alberta opting out of federal programs without losing funding by 57.56 per cent (873,059 to 1,183,982), no to provincial laws taking priority over conflicting federal laws by 55.83 per cent (908,729 to 1,148,744), no to the province selecting King's Bench and Court of Appeal justices by 54.64 per cent (933,310 to 1,124,131), and no to abolishing the Senate by 52.72 per cent (971,837 to 1,083,780).
What Premier Smith has said
Premier Danielle Smith told CBC on October 9 that there would be no second separation referendum as long as she is premier if Remain won. In her October 20 provincial address she restated the position: Alberta will remain a province of Canada, and she will not hold another referendum on the issue. The Chronicle's Record ledger carries that pledge on continuous watch. On immigration, Smith has said the province will proceed with caution and is preparing a formal proposal to Ottawa modelled on the 1991 Canada–Quebec Accord. No agreement has been signed, and existing federal and provincial immigration rules remain in place.
Sources
Elections Alberta, official results news release, October 29, 2026. CBC News, October 9 and October 25, 2026.