00:01Canada's province of Alberta has overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada,
00:06with early referendum results boosting Prime Minister Mark Carney's push for national unity
00:10as the country faces worsening ties with the United States.
00:13With more than 1.5 million votes counted, 76% supported remaining in Canada,
00:19while close to 24% backed beginning a process towards separation.
00:24Despite opposing independence, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
00:27called the referendum amid pressure from separatists within her governing United Conservative Party.
00:33Separatist leader Geoffrey Rath said he will continue his push for independence despite Monday's results.
00:38You know, as far as I'm concerned, you know, we've already won.
00:41We've created a massive movement in this province.
00:44We've dominated the conversation, you know, in the last year.
00:47We've been educating Albertans on the benefits of independence, and we're continuing to move forward.
00:51Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the result, arguing that Canada needed stability
00:57as it confronted U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and annexation threats.
01:02Alberta has the world's fourth largest proven oil reserves,
01:06and much of the separatist momentum has been driven by anger over oil industry management.
01:13Let's go to progress towards you again.
01:15TR instant
