Alberta holds non-binding separation vote as independence fight grips Canada

Alberta began voting Monday in a non-binding referendum on whether the western Canadian province should pursue separation from Canada, as an independence fight resurges. The vote follows the deaths of four soldiers and injuries to dozens after a fast-moving fire burned through a military base in Alberta. A poll released Saturday by Abacus Data, surveying 1,021 respondents, found 74% of decided voters want Alberta to stay in Canada. However, about 26% favor moving toward a binding provincial referendum. Organizer Cory Morgan, of Pathway to Independence, said the result could intensify internal divisions. About three million Albertans are eligible, and another Abacus poll found 61% expect further votes on separation.