75% of Alberta Voters Reject Referendum in Favor of Remaining in Canada

Last night, Albertans voted in a province wide referendum and were given to choice to remain in Canada or to support a future referendum to vote on separating from Canada.

With more than 90% of the votes counted, more than 75% of Albertans rejected the referendum option outright and wish to remain in Canada.

However, at the same time, Alberta voters wanted more provincial control over matters as demonstrated in separate referendum questions on immigration and tend to be conservatively inclined on such issues such as restricting access by recent immigrants to social programs. 

I don't think Albertans are particularly happy with Premier Danielle Smith who comes across like someone taking credit for putting out a fire that she started with this whole referendum business in the first place. Yet I suspect when Albertans vote in the next general election at this time next year, they will likely re-elect Smith and the United Conservative Party. Given the antipathy towards immigrants, I simply cannot see Alberta electing a Muslim Premier no matter how moderate NDP leader Nasheed Nenshi may be in his policy outlook.

Of course, stranger things have happened. If for some reason, the separatists in the UCP see fit to challenge her leadership and oust her like she did with Jason Kenney then Nenshi might get a second look if they choose someone really kooky. But barring such circumstances by this time a year from now this referendum will be in the rearview mirror.