In a provincial address Tuesday evening, Premier Danielle Smith said she will respect Albertans’ vote after the majority opted to stay in Canada. “I want to make it clear tonight that for as long as I am premier, I will honour this mandate from Albertans and will not be holding another referendum on this issue,” said Smith. “It is time to move forward together as a strong and free Alberta within a united Canada.” The premier kept mum on the projected landslide when results started pouring in late Monday night until her address. About 75 per cent of Alberta voters rejected Option 2, proposing a second, binding referendum be held on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada. Smith addressed separatists and those who supported Option 2, saying their voices have been heard. “I acknowledge the legitimate frustrations you felt, most especially during the Justin Trudeau Liberal-NDP coalition years,” she said. “Make no mistake, you, along with your fellow Albertans who voted to remain, have had a tremendous effect on helping alter the direction of Canada for the better.” Smith emphasized the province’s energy agreement with Ottawa and plans for a pipeline as steps forward in building stronger ties with Alberta and the feds. “This is a monumental change that Albertans helped bring about. We made arguments, we defended our province, we challenged policies we believe were wrong, and Canada listened.” Although votes are still being counted as of Tuesday evening, the majority of Albertans have voted to support the province on the other nine questions on immigration and constitutional matters, with the exception of Question 8 which asks if Albertans wish to opt out of federal programs that intrude on provincial jurisdiction. “It appears that Albertans have directed the provincial government to take greater control over immigration, so we can moderate the extraordinary population growth our province experienced, and prioritize jobs and opportunities for Albertans and Canadians,” said Smith. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney warned of the complex and lengthy process of pursuing constitutional changes. “What I favour is working now pragmatically to common solutions,” said Carney at a press conference addressing the referendum’s results. “Constitutional change is difficult. It’s long. We have an amending formula generated originally out of Alberta, and where we can find solutions that work for Canadians, we should find those solutions that work for Canadians.” The prime minister has said he is open to exploring constitutional amendments where there is public support. The province will pursue the reforms supported by Albertans in the coming months and years, said Smith. Official results from Elections Alberta of the referendum’s 10 questions are expected some time on Wednesday. Was it worth it? With the majority of voters choosing to remain in Canada, political scientist Lori Williams says many Albertans are wondering whether the referendum was worth the cost. “Why was all this money, all this time, all this effort, all this uncertainty, the investment that was held off or perhaps even lost because of it, was it worth it?” said Williams. “Smith is going to have to make the case not only that it was worth it, but that she can be trusted to lead Alberta into a better future.” Williams adds that there is a cost for Smith seeing as she is low in the polls in her own party. “It has cost her a seat in Calgary-Shaw, and perhaps, most importantly, it’s cost her trust.” With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Evan Kenny and The Canadian Press
