Alberta voters decisively rejected independence in a non-binding referendum Monday, with more than two-thirds voting to remain in Canada, marking a major setback for the separatist movement that had campaigned for over a year.

Separatist leader Mitch Sylvestre told the BBC he was "not happy" with the result. Jeffrey Rath, a Calgary lawyer and main separatist spokesperson, said he and others "plan to roll up our sleeves and work harder," while Keith Wilson told supporters in Calgary that "the conversation about Alberta's future in Canada and our place in Canada and our role in Canada will continue."

Prime Minister Mark Carney celebrated the outcome in a statement, saying "Albertans made a clear choice." He outlined plans to unlock Canada's "full potential as a global energy superpower with Alberta at its core," referencing a new pipeline agreement signed with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Smith, who supported and campaigned for the unity vote, faced criticism for what some called a "dangerous" gamble by lowering petition thresholds to allow the referendum while her political base remained restive. The non-binding structure also sidestepped a court ruling that blocked the original pro-separation petition for failing to consult indigenous First Nations whose land would be affected by separation.

The vote revealed the roots of separatist sentiment in what Albertans call "western alienation," a decades-old term describing feelings that the federal government ignores western provinces. Many Albertans believe Ottawa has undermined the province's oil and gas industry through environmental policies. Frustration also grew over former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's pandemic response and vaccine mandates.

Thomas Lukaszuk, a prominent pro-unity campaigner, told supporters that "some of the issues they have raised are legitimate" and urged healing the divisions the debate had exposed. He said he did not want to see another referendum like this again.

Smith told CBC she would not hold an independence referendum if Albertans voted against it as long as she remains premier. She also put nine other questions on the ballot seeking more provincial autonomy from Ottawa on matters including immigration. Preliminary results suggest many of those measures might pass.

The movement's leaders point to Quebec, which held two failed separation referendums in 1980 and 1995 and used the threat of separation to gain greater autonomy. Quebec's newly elected provincial government has pledged to hold a third referendum by 2030, despite sovereignty support being at historic lows.