Canada: Alberta votes Monday on whether to hold a referendum on independence

Residents of Alberta, a Canadian province rich in oil, are voting on Monday on whether the regional government will receive a mandate to organize a binding referendum on independence. The consultation is taking place amid trade tensions with the United States and debates about the future of the Canadian federation. The results are expected Tuesday morning.

According to polls, fewer than 25% of the approximately five million residents support secession. Separatists hope, however, to mobilize voters, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged voters to reject any initiative that could endanger the country's unity.

The referendum comprises ten questions, with the most important proposing either maintaining the status of a Canadian province or granting the Alberta government a mandate to organize a vote on independence. The province's leader, Danielle Smith, opposes secession but called the consultation to calm the separatist wing within her own party.

The movement is fueled by dissatisfaction with federal environmental regulations, which independence supporters claim are harming the oil industry. Analysts compare the vote with the Brexit referendum, while experts warn about online disinformation and possible challenges to the result.