Saskatchewan’s premier says he is happy Albertans have voted overwhelmingly to reject a referendum on separation. In a brief statement issued Tuesday morning, Premier Scott Moe shared his enthusiasm of the result — but said much work is still needed to improve relations between the western provinces and the federal government. “There is still work to be done on improving how western Canada is treated by Ottawa. But Canada is worth that effort,” Moe said. “Saskatchewan will continue to work with Alberta to make our provinces stronger within a united Canada.” Sask. NDP Leader Carla Beck shared similar sentiments on Tuesday, saying the result sent a clear message to “separatist leaders and any other who would seek to tear our country apart.” “In the days and weeks ahead, I look forward to working with all those in Saskatchewan and right across this nation,” Beck said in a statement. “We need to remain focused on being welcoming, united, and on building a future where everyone has a chance to succeed.” CTV News projects that roughly 76 per cent voted to remain while around 24 per cent voted for a second referendum on the issue of separation. The nine other questions on the ballot, which centred around immigration reforms, judicial appointments, senate abolition, and loosening federal-provincial linkages on laws and social services have been characterized by Premier Danielle Smith as potential political compromises. Those races are closer. Prior to Monday’s referendum, Moe publicly shut down a suggestion from the world’s richest man for Saskatchewan to separate from Canada. In a series of social media posts, Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of SpaceX, Tesla and X.com (formerly Twitter), encouraged Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan to separate from Canada. Moe quote replied to the post, simply writing “No.” More details to come… With files from Daniel Reech
