Manitobans express relief after Albertans vote to stay in Canada
Posted October 20, 2026 5:21 pm.
Last Updated October 20, 2026 6:43 pm.
Manitobans are expressing relief after Albertans overwhelmingly voted to stay in Canada in a historic referendum Monday.
Winnipeggers told CityNews that they had been watching the referendum closely since advance polling began in Alberta last week as a possible secession could have effect everything from trade to travel.
“It is something that could have had really serious impacts on us, so I guess, I’m just happy that it went well,” said Kate Duncan.
“The fact that they want to separate at this time when we all need to stick together is just not great timing, so I think that it’s great that most Albertans share that same sentiment,” said Callum Anderson.
Premier Wab Kinew also welcomed the result, after appealing to Albertans last week to reject holding another separation referendum.
“Yes! Canada is the best,” Kinew said, at a press conference Tuesday.
“Hopefully, this means we can now focus on building up our country with strong health care and really powerful economy,” Kinew added. “We’ll do that also the same way Canadians do everything, we’ll do that together.”
Others told CityNews that their biggest relief came from not having to worry about the relationship with the U.S. if Albertans had voted for a binding referendum on separation from Canada.
“It would have complicated a lot of international issues, especially with the current administration in the United States,” said Caleb Beswatherick. “I think that them separating would have led to the Americans ultimately taking over Alberta and their resources.”
