Projection delivers a victory for prime minister Mark Carney and supporters of Canadian unity

Voters in Canada’s Alberta have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to begin a process toward independence, the national broadcaster CBC has projected, delivering a victory for the prime minister, Mark Carney, and supporters of Canadian unity.

With more than 1m votes counted early on Tuesday, about 76% supported remaining in Canada, compared with 23% who backed beginning a process that could lead to separation. About a third of ballots had been counted.