WorldTHE LATEST
Alberta rejects secession in nonbinding referendum
The question asked whether Alberta should remain in Canada or begin the legal process for another referendum, and Premier Danielle Smith added it in May; Canada's first such vote since 1995.
On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on BBN NewsroomPublished
Photo: AceYYC · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on this story, from BBN Newsroom at 10:32 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are New York Post's, the jokes are ours.
At a glance
- First reported by New York Post: “Alberta votes on breaking away from Canada as secession debate intensifies”, with reporting from CBC News, Axios and Yahoo News Singapore.
- Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 10:32 AM ET on BBN Newsroom, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.
- Topics: Alberta, Canada.
- BBN covered this story before: Alberta votes to stay in Canada; Sultan of Oman visits Windsor (October 20).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- New York PostAlberta votes on breaking away from Canada as secession debate intensifies
- CBC NewsAlberta votes to stay in Canada, CBC News projects. Results on other 9 questions still being tallied October 20, 2026 · facts used on air
- AxiosAlberta referendum results: Voters reject push for independence from Canada October 20, 2026 · facts used on air
- Yahoo News SingaporeAlberta rejects secession referendum, chooses to remain part of Canada - Yahoo News Singapore October 20, 2026 · facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAlberta voted to stay in Canada, and with over one point eight million votes counted early today, the remain side led with seventy-five point seven percent, CBC News says.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIt was the first vote of its kind in Canada since the Quebec referendum in nineteen ninety-five.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorAnd the pro-independence group Let Alberta Decide says the campaign is over but the conversation is not.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorA conversation. That's what people call it when they lose and keep the lawn signs.
More Shorts
All videos →
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
Photo: U. S. Embassy & Consulate in Greece · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
Photo: U.S. Department of State · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
The story so far
- Why Alberta is voting on its potential separation from Canada · CBS News
- Carney makes closing pitch to Alberta against separation · Fortune
- Alberta votes on whether to stay in Canada · BBC
- Trump to sign women's health order; Alberta votes on separation · Washington Examiner
- Oil-Rich Alberta Votes on its Future in Canada · The New York Times
- Alberta votes to stay in Canada; Sultan of Oman visits Windsor · X
- Alberta rejects secession in nonbinding referendum (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 · the World archive · all months
More in World
All World →What's Behind the Protests in France and What Happens Next
Authorities say about 550,000 people marched across France on Saturday, and Macron has vowed an uncompromising response; curfews followed anyway.
Americans who moved to Europe over politics now regret it
Wired says Americans who left over politics found Europe's trains awful and health care not free; a 2025 Harris Poll found over 26 percent want out.
Guilfoyle asked to resign as ambassador to Greece
Guilfoyle, confirmed as ambassador to Greece in September 2025, was asked to resign after a report about a donor and a card bill; she denies it.
Alberta votes to stay in Canada; Sultan of Oman visits Windsor
About seventy-six percent of Albertans backed staying in Canada in preliminary counts, though nine other ballot questions are still being tallied…