Most Albertans voted overwhelmingly to remain in Canada during this week’s provincial referendum, but there were some regions where the majority preferred a path toward a further separation vote. Two of Alberta’s 87 provincial ridings recorded majority support to hold a second, legally binding referendum on leaving the country, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta. The sprawling rural riding of Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, located north of Calgary, showed 51.1 per cent of voters favoured taking steps toward a second referendum, compared to 48.9 per cent who voted to remain in Canada. The northwestern riding of Central Peace-Notley also preferred option 2, with a narrow lead for a second referendum of 50.5 per cent to 49.5 per cent. For residents of Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre, the leading separatist vote doesn’t come as a surprise for those in both the pro-Canada and pro-independence camps. “Doesn’t surprise me,” said Jeff Copp, a resident of the Town of Rimbey. “But I don’t know if it changes anything.” Theresa Motil-Frost, who lives in Sundre and voted to remain, says despite her vote, there are deep-seated frustrations with the federal government that remain unaddressed. “There has to be more rapport between the two,” Motil-Frost said of Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa. “Things have to be set solid because they aren’t. It’s very wishy-washy.” Others in the constituency cautioned that pursuing independence comes at a cost. “I feel like it’s a huge change,” said Rimbey resident Kallista Collins. “If we were to leave... it’s kind of like unexpected what could happen.” Earlier on Wednesday, Premier Danielle Smith called on Albertans who supported the second referendum option — including members of her own United Conservative Party — to accept the federalist mandate Albertans voted for. Those that choose not to embrace remaining in Canada would be asked to “join a different party,” the premier added. “If the majority of people in virtually every riding say that is what they want, that is the kind of mandate that you have to respect,” Smith told reporters. CTV News contacted Finance Minister Jason Nixon’s office, who is the MLA for the riding of Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre. Nixon’s office did not acknowledge the request for comment.
