Monday, October 19: Voting opens for the provincial referendum, with questions on whether or not Alberta should remain in Canada as well as on immigration and the constitution. Official results are expected to take several days.
Read more: Should We Be Able to Vote Online?
October 19: Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan (UCP) announces he will not seek re-election.
Read more: Operation Total Recall
Tuesday, October 20: With all signs pointing to “remain in Canada” having won decisively, Premier Danielle Smith announces she intends to honour the referendum results and will not hold a second referendum on separation.
Read more: Is a Referendum a Good Way to Make a Decision?
Thursday, October 22: The province rolls out new rules for schools, requiring Canada’s and Alberta’s flags to be flown outside schools all year. Other flags may be displayed inside schools only if “directly related to the instruction of a course or program prescribed or approved under the Education Act.” The restrictions take effect January 4, 2027.
Read more: Why Gay-Straight Alliances are Essential
Friday, October 23: With 100% of polls having reported,Elections Alberta says 75% of voters selected “Alberta should remain a province of Canada.” Voters opted narrowly to limit immigration and tighten voting ID requirements, and rejected the four questions dealing with constitutional issues.
Read more: Should Permanent Residents be Able to Vote in Municipal Elections?
October 23: The Edmonton Journal’s Cindy Tran reports that Alberta Prosperity Project members claim on social media that they removed Jeffrey Rath as APP legal counsel and Mitch Sylvestre as CEO on September 14 and as board directors on September 24. Rath and Sylvestre dispute these claims.
Read more: Is Alberta better off in Canada?
The Week in Alberta is updated weekdays by 4:30pm MT.
