CALGARY -- Alberta business groups are cheering the decisive win for the "stay" side in Monday's referendum, but say more work lies ahead in getting the province a fair shake within Confederation.
Early returns show about 76 per cent of voters chose for Alberta to remain in Canada, while 24 per cent voted to hold a second, binding referendum on separation.
The Business Council of Alberta says it's "delighted" by the outcome, saying it allows the province to move forward with certainty.
But council president Adam Legge says the concerns that brought separation to the forefront of the public debate remain, and the provincial and federal governments must work together to pursue fairness for Alberta.
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce says the results provide much-needed certainty for businesses to move forward with hiring, planning and investing for the future.
Chamber president and CEO Deborah Yedlin says Albertans have delivered a clear message that they want to be at the national table and help shape Canada's prosperity.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026.