Voters in Alberta, a province of Canada rich in oil reserves, have overwhelmingly voted to remain within the country. Preliminary results from the referendum, released Tuesday, represent a significant boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to strengthen national unity amid a trade war instigated by U.S. President Donald Trump and threats of annexation. According to unofficial data from the Alberta Electoral Commission, approximately 76 percent voted to stay within Canada, while around 24 percent supported initiating a process for independence, after counting over 1.4 million ballots. This was not a direct independence referendum, but rather a vote on whether to begin a process that could have led to one in the future. Carney stated that Albertans have chosen unity, building together, and caring for one another, asserting that they have chosen Canada. He further promised these results would allow Canadians to move forward together, diversify trade, develop major infrastructure projects, and strengthen Canada as a global energy powerhouse centered in Alberta. Despite the results, independence supporters remain hopeful, with one leader noting a significant minority believe Alberta could be better off outside of Canada. Alberta Premier Daniel Smith welcomed the preliminary results, stating they demonstrate broad public support for remaining within Canada.