Alberta's political drama is far from over

A sign in support of separatism is seen in downtown Edmonton on Oct. 19, as Albertans voted in a referendum that could have opened the door to the province leaving Confederation. Photo by Megan Albu / AFP via Getty Images

Alberta will remain part of Canada — for now. Ballots are still being counted on the province's 10 referendum questions, but as it stands, voters rejected the separatist option by roughly three to one. On the other nine questions, they appear to have given Premier Danielle Smith a slim-to-moderate victory, setting the scene for future showdowns with Ottawa over immigration and health care, while she contends with internal divisions that are sure to fester in the United Conservative Party. In fact, for both Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney, the fireworks are just beginning. Read more